Since September 1, new laws have come into effect in the Russian Federation that significantly restrict citizens' freedoms: now, transferring SIM cards can result in up to three years in prison, using a VPN can result in a fine, and investigative authorities have the right to block banking transactions.
Since September 1, new laws have come into effect in the Russian Federation that significantly restrict citizens' freedoms: now, transferring SIM cards can result in up to three years in prison, using a VPN can result in a fine, and investigative authorities have the right to block banking transactions.
According to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, the new rules criminalize the transfer of SIM cards or personal data to other individuals for selfish reasons. Violators face a fine of up to $8,750 or imprisonment for up to three years.
Separately, fines are being introduced for accessing «extremist» materials, including through VPNs. Citizens will have to pay up to $62, and organizations up to $6,250. This will allow security services to monitor online activity and combat independent content on the network.
The financial sector has also come under close scrutiny. Investigative agencies have been given the right to block banking transactions for up to ten days, and banks have been obliged to immediately provide information on all transactions.
Other restrictions include a ban on «foreign agents» conducting educational or outreach activities. Violations are subject to fines of up to $6,250.
Migration control has also been tightened: in Moscow and the Moscow region, foreigners were required to register via the Amina mobile application with the transmission of geolocation data.
Such changes are part of the general trend of increasing the Kremlin’s repressive mechanisms. After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian authorities have been consistently increasing pressure on society: blocking independent media, liquidating human rights organizations, and introducing new tools of digital surveillance. Analysts believe that these steps are aimed at isolating the population from alternative sources of information and creating an atmosphere of total fear.
Recall that previously dev.ua wrote about how the Russian IT market is entering a protracted crisis: a mass exodus of engineers, a meager return of personnel, and a sharp decline in the influx of foreign specialists are depriving companies of competencies, and the industry of manageability and pace of development.
