Broadly written rules would allow the Russian government greater central control over content and data flows, and greater access to users’ information.
By Fiona M. Maclean and Ksenia Koroleva
On May 1, 2019, the Russian President signed draft law No. 608767-7, commonly referred to as the Russian Internet Law, or “RuNet Law” (Federal Law No. 90-FZ “On Amending Federal Law ‘On Communications’ and Federal Law ‘On Information, Information Technology and Information Protection’”). The majority of RuNet Law amendments will come into effect on November 1, 2019.
The RuNet Law’s principal provisions include:
- Introducing rules for the centralization and control of data traffic (g., the RuNet Law establishes a centralised Russian Internet data traffic routing system)
- Requiring entities involved in the transfer of data to install additional equipment and comply with new obligations that aim to ensure such centralization