Expenses for the operation and development of the Russian internet traffic filtering system may significantly increase. The budget draft for 2027–2029 allocates almost 60 billion rubles — about 20 billion rubles annually — for the automated system for ensuring the security of the Russian segment of the internet (ASBI). Two years ago, approximately 32 billion rubles were provided for the same period.
The system is based on technical means of countering threats (TSPU), installed on the networks of communication operators. They allow analyzing internet traffic, as well as restricting and slowing down access to individual resources and services.
Experts name the sharp increase in equipment costs as one of the reasons for the rise in expenses. According to RUVDS CEO Nikita Tsaplin, RAM has become approximately twice as expensive over the year, and SSD drives — three times. Other specialists note that the cost of individual memory chips could have increased four to six times.
At the same time, internet traffic itself and 'heavy' content — primarily video and other large data — are increasing. To analyze them, TSPU requires increasingly productive equipment with powerful processors and large amounts of memory. Additional costs may also be associated with installing equipment at new communication nodes.
The specific reasons for the increase in funding have not yet been officially disclosed. A Forbes source close to the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media suggests that the corresponding changes in the national project may be specified by the end of the year.