Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the provision of basic internet services for the population, local media reported on Monday, thus anticipating the possibility of new massive network disruptions at the order of the Federal Security Service (FSB), according to EFE and Agerpres news agencies.
The Russian authorities will have to ensure the “uninterrupted operation of essential services, including healthcare systems, the federal state information system, payment systems, and citizens’ access to these services during the restriction of the information and telecommunications network on the internet,” is mentioned in the statement published by the Kremlin.
The measures must be prepared by July 1st of this year, with the responsibility falling on Prime Minister Mihail Mişustin and FSB Director, Aleksandr Bortnikov.
Vladimir Putin’s decree institutionalizes internet shutdowns in the country
The instructions were drawn up following a meeting with members of the Russian government, which took place on April 23.
The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, stated on Monday in this regard that the authorities aim to “ensure that truly essential electronic services are on the ‘white lists’ and that their operation is guaranteed.”
Registration on the so-called “white lists” is strictly regulated by authorities and includes a series of Russian websites and applications.