Runet 2.0 Launches: Internet Passports Now Required

Russia is set to launch a pilot project of a protected internet, called Runet 2.0, by the end of the year. The network will only allow safe, verified services owned by those who comply with current legislation. The goal of the project is to ensure citizens’ safety, their personal data, and protection against spam, fraud, and phishing. To access this network, a personal identifier is required at registration and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This identifier aims to make it simple for special services to find the account owner. Andrei Svintsov, the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies, and Communications, said this is necessary to make the network “absolutely transparent.”

Svintsov noted that the project is being discussed with professional communities and developers, such as communication operators, manufacturers of Russian chips, and software developers. The technology is understood by the developers, and they have a patent for it, according to Svintsov. The technical solution’s details were not disclosed, but Svintsov stated that a pilot test is planned by the end of the year. The unprotected Internet will still be available to users, but they will be responsible for their data’s security. It is important to note that the degree and speed of technology implementation will be non-construction because the volume of “Iron” production in Russia is still small.

/Reports, release notes, official announcements.