Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor submitted a draft law requiring social media platforms to verify underage users' identities to the State Duma's Information Policy Committee. The agency also called for reducing the amount of time children under 14 spend online. These are proposals, not restrictions that have entered into force.
Vedomosti reported the initiative, citing a regulator representative's statement at a meeting of the Information Policy Committee. The report did not specify how age verification would work.
Separately, the expert council of the State Duma's Family Protection Committee discussed digital platforms' responsibility for children's safety, their speed in responding to threats, and the role of parents and schools. Interior Ministry representatives also proposed requiring services to demonstrate that their products are safe, rather than placing responsibility for protection solely on minors.
Nina Ostanina, chair of the Family Protection Committee, noted that blocking access alone would not ensure children's safety: restrictions without suitable alternatives could increase interest in prohibited content. Participants proposed combining regulation with education and the development of a safer digital environment.
Roskomnadzor's proposal was submitted to the Information Policy Committee. The full text of the draft, the details of age verification and the timetable for any new requirements were not publicly available in the reports reviewed.