Connection in Russia to be Cut Off by Presidential Decree

The State Duma of Russia has adopted a bill that authorizes the FSB to block any communication in Russia based on the actions of President Vladimir Putin. The document was approved in the second and third readings without discussion, according to Russian media sources referencing a live broadcast of the voting.

It has been reported that 393 deputies voted 'in favor', while 14 voted 'against'; the entire procedure lasted about three minutes.

According to the law, the FSB will be able to send mandatory requests to operators to disconnect communication 'in cases specified by presidential regulations'. Initially, it was proposed that the service would have the right to submit 'requests' regarding communication restrictions, but only 'to protect citizens and the state from emerging threats to security' based on justifications from the president and the government. These provisions were removed in the second reading.

The bill also exempts operators from liability for blocking communication if it is done at the request of the FSB. Changes are being made to the 'On Communications' law.

Under current Russian legislation, 'communication services' refer to the receipt and sending of messages (voice, text, image, etc.) via postal, wired, optical, and other electromagnetic systems.