Roskomnadzor (Роскомнадзор), officially the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media, is the Russian federal executive body responsible for censorship and media control. Notifications related to Roskomnadzor are significant, especially for businesses and individuals operating online in Russia, because they often signal potential compliance issues or enforcement actions.
One common type of notification relates to potential violations of Russian internet regulations. Roskomnadzor monitors online content for various reasons, including: distribution of illegal or prohibited information (e.g., drug promotion, extremist content, child pornography), violations of personal data laws, copyright infringement, and dissemination of “fake news” (especially regarding politically sensitive topics). When Roskomnadzor identifies content deemed to be in violation, they may send a notification to the website owner, hosting provider, or content creator.
These notifications typically outline the specific content that is allegedly in violation, the legal basis for the claim, and a deadline for removing or rectifying the issue. Ignoring such a notification can have serious consequences. Roskomnadzor has the authority to block access to websites within Russia, levy fines, and even pursue legal action against individuals or organizations responsible for the offending content. The blocking of websites often happens quickly and without extensive judicial review, making it crucial to respond promptly to any notification.
Another type of notification relates to the registration of “organizers of information dissemination” (OID). Under Russian law, certain online services, such as social networks, messaging apps, and email providers, are required to register as OIDs if they meet specific criteria, such as a certain number of daily users in Russia. Registration obliges these services to store user data within Russia and provide it to law enforcement agencies upon request. A notification from Roskomnadzor might inform a platform that it is required to register as an OID and outline the registration process and associated obligations. Failure to register can result in fines and potential blocking of the service.
Data breaches are another area where Roskomnadzor notifications are relevant. Organizations operating in Russia are required to notify Roskomnadzor of any personal data breaches affecting Russian citizens. The notification must include details about the nature of the breach, the categories and number of individuals affected, the measures taken to mitigate the damage, and contact information for affected individuals. Failure to report a data breach promptly can lead to significant penalties.
Receiving a Roskomnadzor notification should be treated as a serious matter. The best course of action is to carefully review the notification, consult with legal counsel specializing in Russian internet law, and take immediate steps to address the issue. This might involve removing the offending content, modifying business practices to comply with regulations, or challenging the notification in court. Proactive compliance with Russian internet laws, including regularly monitoring content and staying updated on regulatory changes, is the best way to minimize the risk of receiving a notification from Roskomnadzor in the first place. Maintaining thorough records of compliance efforts can also be helpful in demonstrating good faith if a notification is received.