FSB Believes Full Control of Cyberspace Is Essential

The Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) believes that the digital space should be under the complete control of security agencies. According to Sergey Smirnov, First Deputy Director of the FSB, it is impossible to guarantee an acceptable level of security without such oversight.

Speaking to journalists in Bishkek, Smirnov stated:

“For us, as professionals, it has long been obvious that cyberspace must be controlled by competent authorities. Without this, it is impossible to ensure proper information security and effectively counter modern terrorist threats.”

Smirnov also referred to a decision by the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which creates “the necessary conditions for effective cooperation between the competent authorities of SCO member states in monitoring the global information space for such threats.”

He added, as quoted by Interfax: “Constant monitoring of the internet—of course, I mean only issues related to terrorism, extremism, or organized crime.”

It is worth noting that last month, the FSB approved an order to establish the National Cyber Incident Center. According to the document, the Center for Information Protection and Special Communications of the FSB of Russia will be responsible for providing informational, analytical, organizational, and technical support to the National Cyber Incident Center.