Russian government has provided its assessment of draft law on Russian internet autonomy. According to assessment the draft law has legal uncertainty in relation to threats to Russian segment of internet. In other word it is not specified in draft law what is must protect. The main subject of draft law is protection of Russian internet against threats, but threats themselves are not specified.
It is not specified the conditions to execute centralized control over the network – who, except communication operators, owners or operators of communication networks, would be obliged to follow the directions within the framework of centralized control over the network. Besides the draft law provides the Russian internet watchdog – Roskomnadzor (RKN) – with wide authority, what inherent to federal ministry or Russian government; in other words the RKN is not suitable for the authority, provided in the draft law, of federal nature.
The authors of draft law stated that its implementation would not entail expenditures, but Russian government is not agreed with it. It is not clear who would bear the costs of technical modernisation necessary for communication operators in order to comply with draft law and normal business conduct. The technical requirements are not also specified. In other words the draft law does not guarantee the stability of networks. The draft law also does not specify the funding sources for its implementation.
In summary the government endorsed the draft law for its adoption in first reading, but requires to amend it with respect to mentioned flaws. The state duma is ready to draft amendments for the first reading. Taking into account the position of Russian government, the draft law has very strong chances to be adopted. Does it mean that the current Russian and therefore access to global internet from Russia is to be changed for Russian citizens?