TASS

Russian Minister Proposes Blocking All SIM Cards Linked to Fraudsters Banned in MAX Messenger

The head of Russia's Ministry of Digital Development, Maksut Shadaev, has suggested extending account bans in the MAX messenger to a broader set of mobile restrictions. Under the proposal, operators would be required to disconnect not only the number used in a fraudulent account but also any other SIM cards belonging to the same individual. The measure would also introduce a cooling-off period preventing the person from registering new numbers after a ban. Officials aim to make it significantly harder for scammers to resume operations following enforcement actions. Key implementation details, including how ownership and involvement in fraud will be verified, remain unspecified in the initial statement. The initiative specifically targets fraud prevention and does not apply to every account suspension in the messenger.

Russia Ready to Disclose Source Code of Social Networks, Messengers and AI Models

Russian Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadaev announced that the country is prepared to open the source code of its domestic social networks, messengers, and video services to international partners. Shadaev stated that Russia will show the internal structure of these platforms and allow joint modification of algorithms. The proposal was presented at the Platform of Sovereign Development exhibition and reported by TASS. He contrasted Western IT products, described as opaque black boxes, with Russia's new approach of transparency to avoid what he called digital colonialism. The same offer extends to Russian foundational AI models, which could be adapted to foreign legislation, cultural requirements, and security standards. No specific products, repository links, timelines, or licensing terms were provided during the speech.

Russia Sets 2030 Deadline to Deliver LTE Internet to Small Settlements

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has outlined a timeline to provide mobile LTE internet access to small settlements with populations between 100 and 1,000 people by the end of 2030. Minister Maksut Shadaev stated in the State Duma that the next major milestone involves connecting an additional 1,800 settlements by 2027. Over the past six years, LTE service has already reached more than 8,000 such localities through the ongoing federal program. The initiative focuses on building the necessary mobile infrastructure rather than guaranteeing signal coverage at every geographic point. Residents in these areas are expected to gain reliable access to standard digital services without needing to search for optimal signal locations. Progress will be measured by actual deployed infrastructure and operational connectivity at the 2027 checkpoint.

FSB in Chelyabinsk Region Proposes QR-Code Passports for Tracking Construction Materials to Combat Theft

The regional branch of Russia's Federal Security Service in Chelyabinsk has suggested introducing an electronic tracking system for construction materials using unique QR codes assigned to each batch. The initiative aims to reduce theft and fraud during the construction of social facilities by creating a verifiable digital record of material movement from supplier to site. According to official representative Tatyana Sosnina, the system would allow real-time comparison between ordered quantities, project documentation, and actual usage on site. This approach is expected to help customers and oversight bodies quickly identify discrepancies between procurement records and physical consumption. The proposal does not yet include any announced timelines or estimated implementation costs. Experts note that the effectiveness of such QR-based tracking will ultimately depend on the accuracy of data entry at every stage of the supply chain rather than on the codes themselves.

NtechLab AI Video Analytics Helps Locate 250 Missing Children in Novosibirsk Region

NtechLab has reported that its generative AI-powered video analytics platform assisted Russian law enforcement in finding 250 missing children in the Novosibirsk region in less than 18 months. The FindFace Multi system operates as part of the Safe City complex and processes live video feeds from cameras installed at transport hubs, streets, squares, and government buildings. Facial recognition capabilities for locating children became available to regional authorities in April 2025. The same technology has also been used to identify more than 3,000 offenders throughout 2025. NtechLab states that its solutions are deployed across more than 70 Russian regions and 34 countries, although the company provided no detailed breakdown of individual cases or average search times. All final decisions and physical searches remain the responsibility of human police officers.

Russia Moves to Allow Biometric Data Processing for Suspects and Convicts Without Consent

Russian law enforcement agencies may soon gain the legal right to process biometric data of suspects, accused individuals, and convicted persons without requiring their personal consent. A corresponding draft bill has already been submitted to the government and is scheduled for review at the next cabinet meeting, according to TASS. The measure covers fingerprints, facial images, voice recordings, and other physiological or behavioral characteristics used for identification. If approved, prior permission from the individual will no longer be needed when biometrics are used in criminal proceedings. The change applies not only to those already convicted but also to suspects and accused persons whose guilt has not yet been established by a court. For ordinary citizens, enrollment in the Unified Biometric System remains voluntary and is used for remote identity verification when accessing financial and government services.

Russia to Enforce Smartphone Ban During School Lessons Starting September 2026

From September 1, 2026, Russian school students will be prohibited from using mobile phones during classes under a new ministerial order from the Ministry of Education. The restriction, already outlined in federal law, will be detailed by the order to specify its application in schools, according to Minister Sergey Kravtsov. Phones may only be used in emergencies, such as threats to life or health of students and teachers. Activities like messaging, gaming, social media access, or using AI tools for quick answers are explicitly not permitted. Schools retain flexibility on phone use during breaks, allowing individual institutions to set their own rules. The Ministry of Digital Development has confirmed no nationwide ban on social networks for minors is planned, leaving platforms like TikTok and Telegram accessible outside class hours.