Berlin, January 28, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Russia to drop proposed legislation advanced in the country’s parliament that would significantly expand the Federal Security Service’s (FSB) authority to shut down communications, further restricting internet access across the country.
On January 27, Russia’s State Duma passed the first read of government-backed amendments to the country’s law on communications that would grant the FSB broad powers to order telecom operators to suspend communications services, according to a report by the independent online media outlet Faridaily. The bill would need to pass two more rounds then go to the upper house of parliament before President Vladimir Putin signs it into law.
The proposed legislation goes beyond existing regulations on mobile internet restrictions. Under the bill, telecom providers would be required to halt communications at the request of the FSB, with the specific circumstances for such orders to be determined by presidential decree or government resolution. Authorities justify the measures as necessary to “protect citizens and the state from security threats.”
“This bill is not only an attempt to legalize nationwide internet shutdowns, but a deliberate step toward further isolating internet users and journalists and restricting the free flow of information,” said Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator. “Russian authorities should abandon this legislation and uphold their obligations to protect freedom of expression and access to information.”
Russia recorded the highest number of internet shutdowns and the most severe levels of online censorship worldwide in 2025, according to independent news outlet The Moscow Times.
In August 2025, Russia’s state media regulator Roskomnadzor moved to restrict voice and video calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, as authorities stepped up pressure on Russians to download and use the government-backed messaging app Max.