Russian authorities are preparing to grant the Federal Security Service (FSB) unprecedented powers over communications networks, effectively allowing the agency to unilaterally shut down internet and phone services across the country, according to British intelligence. This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defence.
According to British intelligence, at the end of January 2026, the State Duma approved amendments granting the FSB the right to block mobile and fixed-line internet, as well as any means of communication, in response to security threats. The new legislation will require telecom operators to immediately comply with FSB orders to suspend services, while companies will be fully exempt from financial liability to customers for any resulting disruptions.
The bill’s broad definition of communications services means that all forms of data transmission fall under the agency’s control: voice calls, text messages, images, and all internet traffic.
Experts view this move as a logical continuation of Russia’s policy of establishing total state control over the information space, which has intensified in recent years. At the same time, Russia is not only consolidating control domestically but also actively exporting censorship technologies abroad. In particular, Russian specialists are reportedly assisting Iran in creating a deep packet inspection system capable of blocking apps and VPNs, as well as identifying organizers of protest actions in real time.
Alongside the legislative changes, practical mechanisms to restrict access to information are already being tested. In Russian-controlled territories, there have been cases of popular messaging apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp being blocked, forcing users to switch to Russian alternatives.
Additionally, Russia plans to implement a digital system for tracking children, requiring parents to notify telecom operators when a SIM card is given to a minor. This information will be entered into a special monitoring system, enabling internet platforms to identify young users and restrict their access to certain content, further tightening surveillance over citizens’ online activity.
