The kremlin Is Preparing a New Doctrine of Digital Control, Declaring Western Technologies a Threat to the rf

The kremlin is preparing a new stage of offensive in the digital sphere, deepening its course towards total control over the IT sector and restricting access to global technologies.

russia’s authorities have announced the preparation of a new version of the rf’s Information Security Doctrine, in which the use of Western digital technologies is defined as a systemic threat to the state. The updated document is intended to enshrine the policy of “strengthening information sovereignty” and expanding state oversight of the digital environment, including artificial intelligence technologies.

According to the announced approaches, the new version will classify Western-origin civilian digital technologies – mobile devices, satellite internet, including Starlink, postal services, and IT solutions from Western companies – as “instruments of destructive information-technical influence”. The list of threats will also include anti-russian information campaigns, intelligence activities in cyberspace, and cyberattacks on IT infrastructure. At this, the kremlin declares its intention to control the digital space and personal devices at all stages – from development to operation of any digital systems.

In the coming years, russia may switch to a “white list” model on the internet, whereby access will only be granted to state-approved resources. In parallel, there are plans to strengthen surveillance tools, including the criminalization of uncontrolled communication channels and the mass deployment of facial recognition systems.

russia is already among the world leaders in terms of the scale of internet censorship and the duration of deliberate network shutdowns. In 2025, the total duration of such shutdowns reached 37,100 hours, effectively covering the entire population of the country, which underscores the systemic nature of digital restrictions.