The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has recently drafted a government decree that aims to tighten the regulations on organizers of information dissemination (ORI). ORIs are entities, either natural or legal persons, that own websites facilitating communication between users. Notable examples include Yandex, Vkontakte, and Mail.ru.
The draft decree proposes that ORIs must store and provide upon request information related to the geolocation and payment methods of their users. This is in addition to the existing obligations under the Yarovaya law, enacted in 2018, which already requires these companies to store customer correspondence, including video and audio, for six months and to provide it to intelligence services upon request.
The FSB argues that the absence of a normative obligation to store and provide this specific category of information creates ambiguity in law enforcement practices. This, according to the FSB, undermines the effectiveness of operational intelligence activities and poses a risk to the security of the Russian Federation. Interestingly, the draft does not clarify what actions a website should take if a user declines to share their geolocation information.
Moreover, starting from September 1, 2023, the FSB has been granted full, round-the-clock access to orders for internet-operated taxi services. In urgent cases, the service providers must furnish the requested data within three days; otherwise, they have up to ten days. Failure to comply necessitates the company to provide a justification for the refusal.
It’s worth noting that the public discussion period for this draft will last until October 23, providing a window for stakeholders to voice their concerns or suggestions.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of real-time news articles specifically discussing this FSB draft decree at the moment. However, the implications of such a decree could be far-reaching, affecting not just tech companies but also ordinary citizens who rely on these platforms for communication. The decree could also set a precedent for other countries to implement similar measures, thereby raising questions about privacy and the extent to which governments can access personal data.
The draft decree by the FSB adds another layer to the ongoing global debate on data privacy and government surveillance. While the FSB argues that these measures are necessary for national security, critics may view them as an infringement on personal freedoms and an expansion of state surveillance capabilities. As the deadline for public discussion approaches, it remains to be seen how these proposed changes will be received by the public and what modifications, if any, will be made to the draft.
Given the sensitive nature of the subject, it’s crucial to keep an eye on how this story develops, especially considering the potential global implications for data privacy and government oversight of online platforms.
