The Public Consumer Initiative (CPI), a consumer protection organization, has called for a ban on the operations of internet freight collectors with foreign participation within Russia. The aim is to stop their ability to relay information about the movement of goods and cargo to Western intelligence agencies. A local newspaper reports that the CPI has submitted the request to the Attorney General’s Office, the FSB, and the Ministry of Digital Development. The coverage cites a letter from the CPI’s leadership and notes that the appeal was issued through OPI head Oleg Pavlov.
In the appeal, the CPI points to the Crimean Bridge incident as an example that highlights the risks posed by freight collectors. It argues that these entities endanger public safety and the nation’s critical infrastructure when their activities occur outside effective oversight.
The document emphasizes that foreign collectors operating in the Russian market deserve heightened scrutiny because many serve domestic firms, including clients connected to defense-related sectors. The CPI argues that such platforms can facilitate access to sensitive data and insights about market operations, which could, in turn, be exploited by foreign entities, including intelligence services, to gauge the state of various industrial sectors and the security measures in place.
Oleg Pavlov underscored that foreign freight collectors currently control a substantial share of the market, yet they evade accountability when it comes to violations of personal data storage and protection. The commentary reinforces concerns about data sovereignty and the potential exposure of private information processed on servers located abroad.
Earlier this year, Moscow responded to EU measures by restricting cargo movements across Russia for several European, Norwegian, and Ukrainian shipping firms. In parallel, the European Union announced similar restrictions on Russian shipments. The Russian Ministry of Transport has maintained that foreign goods will still reach end consumers, prompting questions about which products can move without restrictions and why Russia has taken a cautious approach in its response. This development is covered by regional outlets and reflected in ongoing debates about data security, economic sovereignty, and strategic logistics within the country. [Citation: regional coverage summarized by socialbites.ca]