Russia: Adopted Bill no. 570420-7 amending Act on Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection and Act on Communications including user authentication requirement

On 28 July 2023, the Bill no. 570420-7, amending the Act on Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection and Act on Communications including user authentication requirements, was adopted by the Federal Council. The Bill requires owners of websites, webpages, information systems, or programs in Russia to authenticate users accessing their content within the country. Authentication methods include using a national mobile number, the federal state information system for identification and authentication, the state information system for biometric data authentication, or another authorised system meeting security standards. The Bill specifies that authentification through foreign email services or other means will be restricted. The measures enter into force on 1 December 2023.