Russia: Implemented Law amending the Law on Communications and the Law on the Implementation of Identification and/or Authentication of Individuals Using Biometric Personal Data (Bill No. 647048-8)

On 1 November 2024, the Law amending the Law on Communications and the Law on the Implementation of Identification and/or Authentication of Individuals Using Biometric Personal Data etered into force. The Law targets mobile radiotelephone service providers in Russia, specifically communication operators involved in mobile phone services. The Law requires operators to verify the identity of foreign citizens and stateless persons through the unified identification and authentication system before providing services, include user equipment identifiers in contracts, and adhere to new compliance requirements. Additionally, the Law limits such individuals to a maximum of 10 mobile service contracts and requires submission of subscriber contract details and equipment identifiers to the unified biometric system.