Russia's Digital Development Ministry is considering a new mechanism for controlling internet traffic to overseas services, potentially including caps on its volume for users. Forbes reported the discussions on October 28, citing three people familiar with the ministry's thinking. No decision to introduce the limits has been announced.
One proposal involves using Roskomnadzor's technical equipment for countering threats, known by its Russian abbreviation TSPU, to filter and measure connections with foreign resources. The equipment is already installed in telecommunications networks and forms part of the state's centralized system for managing internet traffic.
Such a system could affect more than social networks and websites abroad. Ordinary services using infrastructure outside Russia — cloud storage, software updates, work platforms and corporate systems — could also be involved. Its impact would depend on precisely what the authorities define as foreign traffic.
Identifying the geographic origin of internet traffic is technically difficult. Data may pass through several countries, foreign businesses may operate servers inside Russia, and Russian services may rely on overseas providers. Experts consulted by Forbes highlighted the difficulties of drawing a clear boundary.