Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media is drafting amendments to the law “On Communications” that would allow the centralisation of internet infrastructure and tighten the security services’ control over users’ communications.
This is reported by Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
Under the proposed changes, the networks and subscribers of providers that have ceased operations or lost their licence could be transferred into temporary management by major operators. Officially, this is explained as necessary to preserve connectivity for users. At the same time, the operators to whom the infrastructure and customer contracts would be handed over would be selected by a state interagency commission. No court decision would be required.
Previously, major operators acquired local networks and subscriber bases mainly by buying smaller providers. The new mechanism would allow the state to directly influence the redistribution of the internet market.
At the same time, Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development is proposing tougher requirements for market participants. In particular, licences are planned to be issued only to legal entities, the minimum authorised capital would be increased, and higher mandatory annual fees would be introduced.
As a result, sole traders would have to set up legal entities, while small companies would have to spend more to meet the new requirements. According to Ukrainian intelligence, for many providers continued operations could become economically unviable.
Meanwhile, the state operator Rostelecom has already предложил local providers that they hand over subscriber servicing to it. Small companies would be able to maintain communication lines and attract customers for a fee, but services would be provided under the state operator’s brand. In this way, they would effectively lose their independence in working with subscribers and become its contractors.
Another aim of the reform is to strengthen state control over the internet. Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development explains the changes as necessary to bolster information security and ensure compliance with the requirements for SORM — a system of technical means that gives the security services access to users’ communications and data.
Intelligence officials believe that, under the guise of streamlining the market, the Russian authorities are creating conditions to push out independent providers and concentrate internet infrastructure in the hands of a few major operators. This would make it easier to control traffic, block resources and give the security services access to users’ information.