Boris Chernyshov outlines a plan to empower Russians with data rights through a new bill
In a move that echoes growing global concerns about personal information held by private firms, a high-ranking Russian official announced a proposed bill aimed at giving residents a direct right to remove their personal data from commercial databases. The announcement signals that the government intends to revisit the federal law on personal data during the autumn parliamentary session, with the goal of strengthening data control for individuals. The deputy chairman of the State Duma stressed that data leaks from corporate databases have become more frequent over the years, and that many Russians find it difficult to withdraw consent once personal information has been submitted. This growing challenge is part of a broader shift in which citizens increasingly expect stronger mechanisms to manage who can access their data and how it is used beyond the original consent.
The proposed approach would position the state as an intermediary between individuals and the operators who collect and manage personal data. Under the bill, the Ministry of Digital Development and Mass Communications of Russia would assume this intermediary role, empowered to compel non-government data operators to delete information at the request of citizens or to ensure its continued storage is properly controlled. In effect, this would create a legally recognized channel for deletion requests, streamlining the interaction between people and data handlers while reducing friction in exercising privacy rights. The aim is to restore a measure of control that many users feel they have lost amid rapid digital expansion in commerce and services. This concept aligns with international moves toward more user-centric data governance, as seen in privacy frameworks adopted in other large markets such as North America and Europe. This happens in a climate where digital privacy is becoming a standard consideration for technology providers, insurers, retailers, and online platforms across North America and beyond.
Recent reports note that the state continues to explore additional privacy safeguards, including the potential blocking of scam numbers and tightening rules for telecommunications. Changes to the law governing communications would require mobile operators to be more vigilant about unverified numbers appearing in databases and government systems, aiming to reduce fraudulent calls and improve overall trust in digital communications. Beyond this, ongoing discussions about data security emphasize the importance of robust authentication, secure storage practices, and transparent data practices that help consumers know who has access to their information and for what purpose. In a global context, these conversations reflect a shared understanding that personal data protection is essential for the integrity of online services used by Canadians, Americans, and people around the world.
Observers also highlight that password security remains a critical concern. With a growing number of services connected to online identities, cybersecurity measures must evolve to resist attacks that could compromise accounts within minutes. The broader takeaway is that policymakers are increasingly focused on creating environments where citizens can navigate digital life with confidence, knowing there are clear rights and reliable mechanisms to enforce them. While the specifics of the Russian proposal are debated, the underlying trend resonates with privacy movements in North America, where users expect greater control over personal information and more transparent accountability from data operators. The dialogue continues as lawmakers weigh how best to balance innovation with protection, and as societies strive to align national rules with international privacy standards that support safe and trustworthy digital ecosystems.