Russian Parliament Passes Final Reading of Communications Restriction Bill

The State Duma has approved, in its third and final reading, a law that obliges telecommunications operators to suspend communications services at the request of the Federal Security Service (FSB). Telecom Operators Released From Liability The adopted legislation specifies that operators will not bear responsibility for failure to meet contractual obligations if such failures result from compliance with FSB requirements. "An operator shall not be held liable for non-performance or improper performance of obligations under a communications services agreement if such non-performance or improper performance is connected with the operator's fulfillment of requirements issued by the Federal Security Service.” Mandatory Suspension of Services The amendments empower authorities to require operators to terminate the provision of communications services upon receiving a formal request from the FSB. The explanatory note to the bill states that the measure aims to ensure national security and support counterterrorism activities.