The Association of Internet Trade Companies (AKIT) has asked the State Duma to reconsider its approach to verifying significant actions on the Internet. The association believes that mandatory confirmation simultaneously via SMS and the Max messenger may lead to a significant increase in costs for websites and services, as well as create additional restrictions for some users.
In the current version, the document suggests that significant actions on the Internet will need to be confirmed simultaneously with a code from SMS and a message in the MAX messenger. The association emphasized that users need to be given the opportunity to choose one of the two verification methods.
AKIT addressed this request to the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technology and Communications, Sergei Boyarsky. This concerns an initiative that, from September 1, 2026, could make it mandatory for Russian websites to confirm significant actions on the Internet via two channels at once — via SMS and via Max. Kommersant got acquainted with the text of the appeal.
In addition to the right to choose between two confirmation methods, the association asks to enshrine in the bill the framework criteria for the significant actions themselves, as well as to ensure the participation of the industry in its preparation.
The current version of the bill was adopted in the first reading in mid-February. It is now assumed that the government will approve the list of such significant actions from September 1, 2026, having agreed it with the Central Bank.
AKIT President Artem Sokolov believes that sending two messages — via SMS and Max — will lead to a sharp increase in costs for website and service owners. He explained that the cost of SMS messages is still not regulated in any way, and the mandatory sending of confirmations via two channels at once will increase the cost of communications for website and service owners with each confirmed action.
In addition, according to AKIT, this approach will limit anti-fraud procedures, because it will interfere with risk-based checks. The association also believes that the proposed model may not be suitable for users without a Russian number, those who are roaming or in places with poor network coverage, as well as people without Max installed.
Sergei Boyarsky told Kommersant that all incoming proposals will be carefully considered when preparing the bill for the second reading.