Kathrine Frich
Russia is introducing sweeping new measures that expand state surveillance and control.
A decree taking effect on April 1 marks another step in tightening authority during wartime.
At the centre of the changes is the country’s main security agency.
Expanding reach
The Federal Security Service (FSB), widely seen as the successor to the Soviet-era KGB, is gaining broader access to data across multiple sectors. According to Bloomberg cited by Ziare, new rules allow it to tap into corporate databases, telecom networks and financial systems.
The changes also extend to sensitive areas such as scientists’ international contacts, signalling a deeper reach into both economic and academic life.
Ekaterina Schulmann, a political scientist at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, told Bloomberg: “Every political model has its own beneficiary class. And in Russia, the beneficiary class is the security apparatus.”
New legal powers
A law coming into force on April 1 grants the FSB authority to obtain copies of organisational databases without a court order, Bloomberg reported.
Foreign companies still operating in Russia, including major banks, must ensure their systems can comply with such requests. This raises challenges for firms trying to meet international data protection standards.
Additional measures include earlier directives requiring banks to install monitoring systems capable of tracking communications within apps, according to RBC Newswire.
Growing control
The latest steps build on an already powerful security structure. Analysts say the FSB combines intelligence, investigative and law enforcement functions with limited external oversight.
Alexander Khurudzhi, linked to the pro-business “Novye Lyudi” party, warned the system creates risks: “The new law creates a parallel, extrajudicial mechanism, which, of course, increases the risk of both information leaks and misuse of these new capabilities.”
Although officials are formally responsible for handling data, critics say there is no clear mechanism to ensure information is deleted after use.
Digital clampdown
Further legislation signed in February allows authorities to suspend mobile and internet communications under certain conditions.
The FSB has also played a central role in shaping Russia’s controlled internet environment, including restrictions on messaging platforms. Telegram has faced pressure, with authorities warning it could expose military information.
Telegram rejected the claim, calling it a “fabrication to justify outlawing” the app, while founder Pavel Durov said: “restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer.”
A separate law introduced in March bans content seen as undermining “traditional Russian spiritual and moral values,” while platforms such as Instagram and YouTube remain blocked.
Viktor Zvagelsky, head of Business Against Corruption, said: “Today, the screws are tightened to the limit.”
Sources: Bloomberg, RBC Newswire, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, Ziare.com
