The Russian Federation is preparing for a new phase of expanding state control over the digital sphere, including the artificial intelligence industry. The authorities plan to enhance oversight of all technological processes and restrict access to foreign digital solutions.
This is reported by Finway
Update of the Information Security Doctrine
The Kremlin is working on a new edition of the Information Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation, where Western digital technologies are identified as a serious threat to national security. The document emphasizes the need to “strengthen information sovereignty” and expand state control over the digital environment, particularly regarding the use of artificial intelligence.
It is anticipated that all digital technologies of Western origin, including mobile devices, satellite internet (such as Starlink), email, and IT solutions from international companies, will be classified as “tools of destructive information-technical influence.” Anti-Russian information campaigns, cyber intelligence, and attacks on the IT sector’s infrastructure will also be included in the list of threats.
Total Control and Internet Censorship
Plans are in place to implement strict control over personal devices and all stages of digital technology operations—from development to deployment. It is possible that in the coming years, Russia will adopt a “whitelist” model on the internet, where access will only be permitted to state-approved resources. At the same time, methods of surveillance will expand, including the criminalization of uncontrolled communication channels and the mass implementation of facial recognition systems.
“Russia is already among the world leaders in terms of internet censorship and the duration of intentional network shutdowns. In 2025, the total duration of such shutdowns reached 37,100 hours, effectively covering the entire population of the country, highlighting the systemic nature of digital restrictions,” noted the SBU.
Official representatives of the Russian authorities have already openly stated the alleged harmful impact of Western technologies, such as smartphones, satellite internet, and email, on national security. It is expected that the tightening of control will lead to even greater isolation of the Russian Federation’s digital space from global innovations.