February 2, 2026
Russia is set to grant the FSB total control over communications shutdowns and ban citizens from suing for outages
Russia’s parliament is moving to formally expand the Federal Security Service’s authority to shut down communications services across the country — while shielding telecom companies from any legal responsibility for the fallout. Meduza explains what’s new in the bill and how broadly these powers could be applied.
TL;DR
- Russia's State Duma passed a bill in its first reading to expand the FSB's power to shut down communications services.
- The bill allows the FSB to demand telecom operators suspend services to "protect citizens and the state from emerging security threats."
- Telecom companies will be shielded from legal responsibility for carrying out these shutdowns.
- The definition of "security threat" is deliberately vague and will be determined by the president and federal government.
- The measure is framed as a tool for "countering terrorism" and countering Ukrainian drones.
- This formalizes practices already in use, where the FSB can suspend communications under specific circumstances like declared counterterrorism operations.
- A lawsuit filed by a resident against telecom provider Beeline for inadequate service preceded the government's bill absolving operators of responsibility.
- The new powers could potentially apply to any communications service, including internet, phone calls, and text messages.
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