A draft law aiming to assign administrative accountability for the transmission of personal and financial data through foreign messaging services in the delivery of public services has been submitted to the State Duma. A group of deputy authors introduced the measure, with Anton Gorelkin, deputy chairman of the Duma information policy committee, identified as one of the primary proponents via the telegram channel of the initiative’s originator. The proposal outlines penalties tied to violations, specifying fines for officials in the range of forty thousand to fifty thousand rubles and for legal entities from one hundred thousand up to seven hundred thousand rubles. These figures reflect a structured approach to deterrence and compliance within federal administrative practice, signaling a shift toward stricter control over data channels used in public operations.
The sponsor noted that starting March 1, a ban on transferring personal data through foreign messengers has been in effect in the context of delivering public services or performing state duties. He emphasized that the list of permissible and prohibited messengers is publicly accessible on the Roskomnadzor website, and he highlighted that Telegram is among the services named on that list. This points to a broader regulatory framework that seeks to align data handling with national standards while maintaining transparency about which channels are allowed for government tasks.
According to the lawmaker, officials would not face punitive measures for personal use of these messengers outside official duties. The intention, he argued, is to preserve practical channels for everyday communication while ensuring that official communications related to public administration remain within approved, monitored systems. He noted that many work-related communications can continue through these platforms in most circumstances, provided the activity does not involve fulfilling a government or municipal directive.
The deputy stressed that the bill addresses more than immediate compliance; it aims to redirect attention toward Russian alternatives and build a more resilient, domestically governed communications ecosystem. He described the initiative as a step toward strengthening national security and reducing data leakage risks, while also supporting the integrity of critical infrastructure tied to public services.
In addition to data governance, Gorelkin commented on the broader strategic implications for the financial technology landscape. He indicated reservations about expanding Russian fintech within the current framework but challenged banks to integrate with homegrown digital platforms rather than relying on foreign systems. He argued that such a shift would be strategically prudent, reinforcing domestic control over financial infrastructure and digital identity ecosystems.
Separately, former Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko commissioned federal departments to transition by May 1 to a unified communications system. This system is planned to be built around a standard automated workplace for civil servants, known as AWS GS, developed by a Russian entity associated with VKontakte. The move signals a broader modernization effort intended to streamline workflows, improve coordination across agencies, and reduce fragmentation in official communications.