Media: Russia eyes centralised rules for mass mobile internet shutdowns

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development is reportedly exploring the introduction of formal regulations to govern mass shutdowns of mobile internet services across the country. This development comes amid a surge in drone attacks that have prompted frequent, often uncoordinated, disconnections of cellular networks.

According to Izvestia, citing a high-ranking federal official and a senior executive from a major mobile operator, mobile internet and cellular services have been regularly interrupted following drone incidents. Currently, such shutdown orders are issued by various local authorities, regional branches of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM), and other governmental bodies.

"Until recently, telecom operators followed the instructions of Roskomnadzor and law enforcement agencies, particularly the FSB. This was standard practice, for example, during the preparation for various mass events. However, due to the current situation and the increasing frequency of UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] attacks, the number of entities issuing such orders has become excessive," the source told the newspaper.

To address this, Russian authorities and telecom companies are considering establishing a single authorised body responsible for receiving and processing all shutdown requests. This move aims to centralise decision-making and prevent unauthorised or overlapping orders that complicate network management.

In addition, officials may create an information system to provide reliable, timely notifications to mobile operators about when and where to suspend or restore mobile internet services. This system is expected to improve coordination and reduce disruptions for users.

By Vugar Khalilov