As part of the updates to the Information Law, website operators in Russia are required to verify their identity through the State Services platform, the Unified Biometric System (UBS), or another reliable method. According to the domain registrar Ru-center, about 95% of users have already confirmed their identity via Gosuslugi, with Reg.ru reporting a figure around 98%. This trend was highlighted in an Izvestia report. For audiences in Canada and the United States, these developments underscore a broader shift toward accountable online participation and stronger access controls, reinforcing the idea that digital trust hinges on verifiable identity and secure interactions across borders. The move is framed as a governance measure designed to shield users from online fraud while maintaining a consistent, verifiable user baseline for the internet economy. (Izvestia)
Industry observers believe the policy will substantially curb phishing and social engineering attacks, which continue to be a dominant threat vector for individuals online in large markets. In Canada and the United States, where phishing remains persistent, similar identity verification approaches are being discussed as part of broader security strategies to protect consumers and businesses alike. The rationale is straightforward: when identity is proven, there is less room for fraudulent activity and manipulation, and legitimate users enjoy a safer online environment. (Izvestia)
Website operators can complete identity verification through Gosuslugi by linking a bank card and a mobile phone number. Reg.ru reports that among hosting users, 55% use a bank card for verification, 31% rely on an express payment service, and 12% confirm their identity with a mobile phone number. This breakdown reveals varying preferences for identity confidence levels, with financial-linked methods generally providing stronger authentication. In North American contexts, similar verification options range from payment card associations to mobile-based authentication, often complemented by multi-factor checks to reduce risk and improve user trust. (Izvestia)
Andrey Kuzmichev, chief executive officer of Ru-center, commented that enhanced customer verification raises security levels for everyone participating in the online economy. He forecasts that while registration volumes may slow as the process tightens, overall trust in administrators will grow, and the incidence of scams will decline sharply. For readers in Canada and the United States, this perspective underscores a broader truth: robust identity verification can stabilize online markets by reducing fraud while preserving a smooth user experience for legitimate customers. (Izvestia)
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