Major Package of Laws Signed to Regulate and Restrict Russia’s Online Space

On August 10, 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed a sweeping package of laws introducing new restrictions and regulations for Russia’s online environment. The new legislation covers a wide range of issues, including blogger de-anonymization, legalization of cryptocurrency mining, stricter SIM card purchases, employer reporting to the military draft registry, recognition of foreign organizations as “undesirable,” bans on “trash streams,” military gadget restrictions, and prohibitions on drug advertising in culture.

Blogger De-anonymization and Social Media Regulation

Starting November 1, 2024, owners of social media pages and public messenger channels with more than 10,000 users must report their personal information to Roskomnadzor (RKN). The government will determine the required information and reporting procedures. RKN will maintain a registry of such pages. Owners not listed in the registry will be prohibited from posting funding offers or advertisements, and their content cannot be reposted. Social networks must restrict access to pages whose owners fail to provide the required data within 24 hours of an RKN request, effective January 1, 2025.

Stricter SIM Card Rules

Russian citizens are now limited to owning no more than 20 SIM cards. Mobile operators must verify the number of SIM cards before providing service. Foreigners can only obtain SIM cards in person and if their data is in the Unified Biometric System, with the device’s IMEI number included in the contract. Operators must update contracts if the device changes and bring all contracts into compliance by July 1, 2025. They must also verify Russian citizens’ data by November 1, 2025.

Ban on “Trash Streams” and Violent Content

The new law bans the distribution of violent images, including so-called “trash streams.” Amendments to the law on information and the Administrative Offenses Code (CAO) prohibit such broadcasts, especially those involving murder, bodily harm, kidnapping, or forced labor, which will be considered aggravating circumstances in criminal cases. Fines for violations range from 50,000 to 100,000 rubles for individuals, 100,000 to 200,000 for officials, and 800,000 to 1 million for organizations. Equipment used for streaming will be confiscated. Exceptions are made for scientific, literary, and artistic works of historical or cultural value, and registered media.

Expanded Powers for Roskomnadzor

Roskomnadzor now has the authority to manage communication networks at the request of the Prosecutor General or deputies to remove prohibited information, not just during emergencies. The agency must inform operators and network owners when taking control, and the response procedures will be coordinated with the Prosecutor General’s Office and the FSB.

Legalization of Cryptocurrency Mining

Mining of cryptocurrencies is now legal for Russian legal entities and individual entrepreneurs listed in a special registry, effective November 2024. Individuals can mine without registration if they stay within government-set energy consumption limits. The law prohibits advertising cryptocurrencies and requires miners to report transactions and wallet addresses to government agencies and Rosfinmonitoring to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. From September 1, 2024, foreign trade settlements and exchange trading in cryptocurrencies will be allowed under experimental legal regimes, regulated by the Central Bank of Russia.

Stricter Drug Propaganda Laws

The new laws toughen bans on drug propaganda, including in literature and the arts. The main law amends the law on narcotic and psychotropic substances, with companion bills amending the CAO and Criminal Code. Banned information includes methods of making, transporting, or acquiring drugs; cultivation of drug-containing plants; promoting illegal drug use; and justifying or normalizing illegal drug activities. Exceptions are made for works where such information is an integral part of the artistic concept, medical and scientific publications, and law enforcement materials. Such works must be labeled, except those published before August 1, 1990. Fines for violations range from 2,000 to 4,000 rubles for individuals, 10,000 to 30,000 for officials and self-employed, and 300,000 to 600,000 for organizations, with confiscation of the offending material. Drug propaganda fines are 4,000 to 5,000 rubles for individuals and up to 1 million for organizations, with higher penalties for online violations. Foreigners may face deportation or up to 15 days’ administrative arrest. Criminal liability applies after two administrative offenses, with penalties up to two years in prison. The law takes effect June 1, 2025.

Broader Definition of “Undesirable” Foreign Organizations

The law now allows any foreign organization, not just NGOs, to be declared “undesirable” in Russia, including those founded or participated in by foreign government bodies. Penalties for involvement include fines up to 500,000 rubles or up to four years in prison, and up to six years for organizing such activities. The law takes effect August 19, 2024.

Military Secrecy and Gadget Ban

Disciplinary arrests of up to 15 days are introduced for military personnel who disclose information that could identify service members or their families, including online or to the media. This includes information about their activities, locations, or military management. The law also bans smartphones and other gadgets for military personnel, especially in the “special military operation” zone. The law takes effect 60 days after official publication.

AI Regulation and Data Privacy in Moscow

Moscow will launch an experimental legal regime to facilitate the development and implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. Regional operators will transfer images and voice recordings of Moscow residents to a regional information system without requiring consent, except for health and biometric data. Residents must be notified at least 30 days in advance and can object to data processing. Data must be anonymized and destroyed within 30 days of receipt. Processing is prohibited if it could harm individuals, morality, rights, the environment, national defense, or cultural heritage. The law takes effect upon publication, with some exceptions.

Expanded Powers for Enforcement Agencies

Enforcement agencies are now allowed to use technical, audio, photo, and video recording devices to document crimes and administrative offenses, including in public places and court buildings. The chief bailiff of Russia will determine the list of permitted devices. The law also allows bailiffs to use force and weapons. It takes effect August 19, 2024.

Electronic Draft Registry and Employer Reporting

Organizations must now interact with military commissariats via an electronic draft registry, as part of the fall 2024 conscription campaign. The law clarifies the rules for information exchange between employers and military authorities, allowing the use of various information systems, including the state draft registry. The law takes effect upon official publication.