Legislation aimed at formalizing the work of white hat hackers is set to be introduced before Russia’s State Duma. According to RIA Novosti, the proposal comes from deputy Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications. The initiative signals an intent to clarify the legal framework around security researchers who test digital systems with owners’ permission in order to pinpoint and remediate vulnerabilities.
Nemkin clarified that even authorized security testing can raise legal questions under current laws. He noted that if a security assessment is conducted with the system owner’s consent but uncovers weaknesses, those actions might be treated as a crime under existing provisions. This creates a tension between proactive defense work and the risk of unintended legal exposure for researchers who are trying to help organizations strengthen their cyber defenses.
To reduce this risk, the deputy explained that the parliament would focus on ensuring that white hat activity remains lawful when it serves the purpose of strengthening digital infrastructure. He stressed that the intent is not to shield illicit hacking but to create clear channels for legitimate security research that benefits companies by identifying gaps and closing them quickly. The overarching goal, he said, is to make legitimate security work as unambiguous and accessible as possible within the legal system.
In support of this aim, changes to the Criminal Code are being considered. Nemkin described the proposed amendments as focusing on balancing accountability with practical avenues for cybersecurity testing. He acknowledged that the measures are among the most controversial aspects of the broader reform package and that some lawmakers and law enforcement officials question their necessity. Still, he emphasized that the dialogue would continue in order to reconcile the interests of law enforcement with the needs of security professionals and the private sector.
Additionally, the proposal contemplates an amendment to Article 16 of the Law on Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection. This change would permit information owners to engage in lawful communications with white hat hackers to evaluate and identify vulnerabilities in information systems. The adjustment is intended to foster cooperation between organizations and ethical researchers, enabling a more proactive approach to safeguarding critical digital ecosystems.
The broader context of these discussions reflects heightened attention to cybersecurity both at the national level and within the private sector. As organizations increasingly rely on complex information networks, the ability of security researchers to work transparently with system owners becomes a key element in preempting and mitigating cyber threats. The proposed legal clarifications aim to create predictable conditions for this collaboration, reducing the likelihood of inadvertent legal penalties when legitimate, authorized testing is performed.
Observers note that while technical vulnerabilities can have wide-reaching consequences, the path to effective reform requires careful consideration of how rules are enforced in practice. lawmakers and industry participants are expected to continue consultations to ensure that the revised framework supports rapid threat detection and remediation, while preserving appropriate safeguards against abuse. In this environment, clear legal recognition of white hat activities could encourage more organizations to engage with researchers, potentially leading to more secure information systems and greater resilience across critical sectors.