Russia

Max app digital ID pilot launch: The state-backed 'super app' Max launched a test version of its digital identity feature, allowing users over 18 to prove age and identity using biometrics or passport.

Mandate for Max app pre-installation on smartphones: Moscow mandated that all new smartphones sold in Russia come with the state-backed Max app pre-installed.

Proposed biometric age checks for online age-restricted goods: The Russian government announced plans to develop amendments to national legislation to verify the age of buyers using biometrics for online sales of age-restricted goods (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, products for adults).

Law obliging communication network owners to store user data: Obliged owners of communication networks with autonomous system numbers to store user data for three years.

Law expanding ban on LGBT+ propaganda: Expanded the scope of the ban on LGBT+ propaganda to prevent this material from being promoted to adults in addition to children.

Law introducing fines for telecom operators not installing TSPU: Introduced fines for telecom operators that have not installed the Technical Measures to Combat Threats (TSPU) system.

Law criminalizing 'fake news' and 'discrediting' military: Amended the criminal code to outlaw the dissemination of 'knowingly false information about the activities of the armed forces of the Russian Federation' and 'discrediting' the military.

Law authorizing unified biometric database: Authorized the development of a unified biometric database.

Law obliging foreign tech companies to open Russian offices: Required foreign tech companies with more than 500,000 Russian users to open representative offices in Russia.

Law on fines for failure to remove banned content: Prescribed fines for social media platforms for failure to remove content banned by Roskomnadzor.

Law requiring preloaded Russian software on mobile devices: Required mobile devices in Russia to come preloaded with Russian software.

Foreign Agents Law expanded to individuals: Extended the state’s regulation of media outlets designated as 'foreign agents' to include individuals.

Roskomnadzor extrajudicial blocking criteria established: Roskomnadzor issued an order establishing criteria for extrajudicial blocking of content, including content encouraging minors to commit illegal activities.

New penalties for online speech: Introduced penalties for disseminating 'fake news' and 'defamation of power' online.

Yarovaya Law data storage provisions came into force: Provisions of the Yarovaya Law requiring service providers to store user communications content for six months and metadata for three years came into force.

Law 276-FZ: Mandated the blocking of VPN services that allow clients to access banned content and required search engines to filter results based on Roskomnadzor’s blacklist.

Yarovaya Law: Introduced significant ramifications for internet freedom, including requirements for service providers to store user communications content and metadata, and assist the FSB in decoding encrypted data.

Law on 'undesirable' foreign organizations: Allowed the government to designate foreign organizations as 'undesirable,' barring them from disseminating information and leading to website blocking.

Federal Law No. 436-FZ amendment: Added 'propaganda' promoting 'Non-traditional sexual relationships' as a class of harmful content under the law.

Age classification system under Federal Law No. 436-FZ came into force: The age classification system (0+, 6+, 12+, 16+, 18+) for information products became effective.

Federal Law No. 436-FZ amendment: Introduced a 'child-protecting' Internet blacklist and established a mandatory content rating system for material distributed through information and telecommunication networks.

Foreign Agents Law: Required NGOs and other entities receiving foreign funding to register as 'foreign agents' and label their content.

Federal Law No. 436-FZ 'On Protecting Children from Information Harmful to Their Health and Development': Enacted as a content rating law, establishing age classifications (0+, 6+, 12+, 16+, 18+) for information products.

Federal Law No. 149-FZ 'On Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection': Established the general framework for information regulation in Russia, including the creation and maintenance of the 'Unified Register of Domain Names, URLs and Network Addresses' (the 'Blacklist') of prohibited websites.

Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (No. 63-FZ): Established criminal responsibility for illegal production and circulation of pornographic materials (Article 242) and child pornography (Article 242.1). Formally allowed for partial decriminalization of pornography, recognizing the possibility of legal circulation under strict conditions.