Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the law establishing an independent domestic internet, reports Vedomosti. The legislation was published on the state portal of legal information. As a result, federal telecommunications regulator Roskomnadzor will be able to regulate the routing of traffic at Russian operators. The operators will have to install special systems on their networks so that they can prevent threats, as recommended by the watchdog.
The regulator will also start a special centre for the management of networks in critical situations.
The law will go into effect in November. Some requirements, related to the encrypted protection of information and the use of the national system of domain names, will go into effect later, on 1 January 2021.
Foreign industry opposition
The legislation was condemned by Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA). The CCIA said it had previously raised concerns regarding the steady rise in action by the Russia government to limit internet freedom and shut out foreign competition.
"For years we’ve seen alarming censorship measures in Russia. The legislation approved today is yet another step by the Russian government to restrict access online and artificially create borders on the Internet. We strongly encourage the international community and US Administration to respond," Ed Black, the President of CCIA, said in a statement.
