The government of the Russian Federation announced a fresh requirement for owners of websites and information distribution services to preserve data about users’ geographic locations and payment methods. Authorities can request access to this information when necessary. The development was reported by RIA Novosti, underscoring how the mandate affects operators whose platforms fall under information distribution oversight.
The change forms part of updates to the rules governing information retention for online information distributors, which took effect on July 1, 2018. The adjustment extends the range of data that must be stored by platforms to support regulatory and security objectives while maintaining clarity around the responsibilities of service providers.
Before these updates, the Federal Security Service (FSB) had already signaled intent to require internet companies to archive data related to payments and users’ geographic locations. The recent amendments formalize those aims with explicit language about storing location data and payment instruments alongside other retained information, creating a more comprehensive data-retention framework.
The measures target internet sites and services registered with the organizers of information dissemination (ORI). In practical terms, the FSB seeks to finalize the retention framework by including clauses that obligate operators to keep records of users’ geographical details and payment methods, ensuring this information is readily available to authorities upon request while keeping user data within the regulatory perimeter.
In related policy news, the government press service noted that citizens will be able to submit and withdraw consents for the processing of biometric personal data through the Unified Biometric System. Access to information about such consents will be available to individuals within their accounts on the State Services portal, providing a centralized view of consent status and history, and enabling users to monitor how their biometric data is handled in real time.
These developments occur within broader discussions about cybersecurity and data protection in Russia. Authorities emphasize the need for transparency and oversight in how user information is stored and accessed, while balancing national security considerations with privacy concerns. Analysts observe that the evolving regulatory landscape may shape how online platforms operate and how services design their data-management practices to comply with new rules while safeguarding user rights. The overall effect is a tighter regulatory framework for information retention and biometric data handling, with an emphasis on accessibility for state authorities and accountability for service providers. (Citation: Russian government communications and RIA Novosti reporting)