A proposed bill by Mincifers aims to restrict the use of foreign-owned messengers for work-related communication in various sectors. Interfax reports, citing a source familiar with the document, that the bill includes amendments to multiple legislative acts.
The bill suggests banning the use of messengers owned by foreign entities or individuals for sending or receiving work-related messages, images, videos, or other electronic communications. This restriction would impact employees in marketplaces, delivery services (when interacting with customers), credit organizations, the Bank of Russia, communication operators, and government officials at federal and regional levels.
However, the use of domestic messengers operated by Russian entities or citizens would be permitted for communication with individuals at work. Employees or officials using such messengers for work purposes would need to undergo identification or authentication through the Single Identification and Authentication System (ESIA).
The proposed amendments would affect laws such as “On the Protection of Consumer Rights,” “On Banks and Banking,” “On the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (Bank of Russia),” “On Communications,” “On the State Civil Service of the Russian Federation,” and “On the General Principles of the Organization of Public Power in the Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation.”
The new regulations are expected to take effect on September 1, 2026, pending approval from relevant government bodies.