Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill on the sustainable operation of the Russian segment of the Internet (Runet).
The document was published on the official legal information online database on May 1.
The law will make it possible to create an independent infrastructure for the smooth operation of the Russian segment of the Internet and seeks to protect it.
The law was passed by the State Duma on April 16 and was endorsed by the Federation Council on April 22.
The law stipulates that the Russian telecommunications watchdog (Roskomnadzor) can ensure the centralized traffic control in line with the procedure approved by the Russian government in the event of threats to sustainability, security and integrity of the operation of the Internet and general telecommunications networks. The government will also identify these kinds of threats. The Russian Communications Ministry will approve requirements set for the operation of traffic-exchange points in consultations with the Russian Federal Security Service.
Creating the new infrastructure will ensure the operating capacity of Russian Internet resources in the event that Russian telecommunications operators are unable to connect to foreign Internet root name servers.
Russian telecommunications operators should install technical devices on public networks to identify traffic transmission sources and restrict access to resources containing prohibited information. Those telecommunications operators, which have installed these kinds of technical devices, are relieved of the obligation to restrict access to resources containing prohibited information. They should have blocked this kind of content on their own in line with the current legislation.
The law suggests the use of domestic encryption equipment for state bodies, local self-government bodies, state municipal authorities and unitary enterprises. This provision concerns communication by electronic means, in particular, with individuals and organizations.
