Kremlin Decree Grants FSB Sweeping Powers Over Internet Access in Russia and Occupied Ukrainian Territories

New Decree Expands FSB Authority

The Kremlin has issued a new decree that significantly expands the powers of the Federal Security Service (FSB) over telecommunications and internet services in Russia and the Ukrainian territories it occupies. Reported on November 10 by the Center for National Resistance, the decree mandates that telecommunications providers must terminate user access to communication and internet services when requested by the FSB.

Under the new regulations, which can be enacted by the Russian leader or the government, special services are permitted to 'temporarily restrict access to communication' without requiring judicial review or justification. Furthermore, telecommunications operators are absolved of any liability for complying with these demands.

Intensified Control in Occupied Ukrainian Territories

While officially framed as being 'in the interests of state security,' the Center for National Resistance asserts that the decree's true purpose is 'surveillance, pressure, and repression.' The measure is expected to lead to an intensified regime of control, particularly in the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine.

Specific implications for these areas include the targeted disconnection of activists suspected of collaborating with Ukraine, the systematic blocking of messaging applications and information channels that disseminate verified news, and the tracking of underground operatives through their digital footprints. The decree also facilitates the establishment of 'zones of silence,' where the populace can be stripped of both internet and mobile connectivity. This is seen as 'yet another step toward the complete information isolation' of these territories, leaving residents with 'only propaganda and fear.'

Broader Context of Russian Internet Control

This latest decree builds upon a series of legislative actions by the Russian Federation aimed at increasing state control over the internet. Russia has a long history of internet censorship and surveillance, notably through the 'Sovereign Internet Law' enacted in 2019 and the System for Operative Investigative Activities (SORM). Since 2019, the FSB has possessed powers to access user data and encryption keys.

Recent legislation has also introduced penalties for online searches of 'extremist' content and for the use of VPN services in occupied territories. In some Russian regions, such as Ulyanovsk, mobile internet blackouts have already been implemented indefinitely, reportedly 'until the end of the war.' The state media regulator, Roskomnadzor, also holds expanded authority to isolate or reroute internet traffic within Russia.

Conclusion

The new Kremlin decree represents a significant escalation in Russia's efforts to control information flow and suppress dissent, both within its borders and in occupied Ukrainian territories. By granting the FSB unchecked authority to disconnect users from vital communication services, the decree further solidifies the state's grip on the digital landscape, raising concerns among human rights organizations and international observers about freedom of expression and access to information.