Роскомнадзор сможет блокировать интернет-ресурсы без суда по указу Генпрокуратуры

Roskomnadzor (RKN) has prepared a draft order according to which they will be able to block or slow down any online resources through an extrajudicial decision of the Prosecutor General's Office. Media outlets claim that this mechanism will allow the RKN to effectively manage operators' networks and block resources without the need to provide reports.

This step expands the current powers of the RKN, which previously used technical means of countering threats (TSPU) to slow down or block traffic, which will now be legally reinforced. The new amendments, published for public discussion, supplement the changes to the law "On Communications" adopted in August 2024.

Experts note that "mandatory instructions" for telecom operators may include the installation of systems for operational-search measures (SORM) and the use of TSPU, which has long been in effect under the law "On the Sovereign Runet." TSPU allow blocking or slowing down traffic, but telecom operators often do not understand exactly how this mechanism works.

Against the backdrop of the slowdown of the largest video hosting platform YouTube, which began in July 2024, the RKN's draft order is of particular interest. Despite the absence of an official decision to block YouTube, its traffic in Russia has significantly decreased, which is associated with the use of TSPU.

The RKN's draft order may formalize the already existing practice of managing communication networks without transparent legal mechanisms. Experts warn that this will give the Prosecutor General's Office the power to block Internet resources without the need for explanations or reports to the public, which will increase control over the Russian segment of the Internet.