In Russia, they propose to introduce millions in fines for the use of foreign satellite networks

The Ministry of Digital Development has developed a bill that provides for the introduction of fines for using satellite Internet under foreign jurisdiction.

The draft law “On Amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation” will complement a government decree of February 2019, which requires transmitting all information to foreign satellites via state-controlled stations.

In case of violation of this provision, it is proposed to fine individuals to the amount of up to 200 thousand rubles, legal entities up to one million.

Now the draft law is at the stage of public discussion, which will last until July 2.

It is noteworthy that the development of the bill in time coincides with the launch of two systems of global Internet access via satellites. So, in February, the Soyuz launch vehicle launched six communications satellites of the British company OneWeb into orbit.

In May, SpaceX launched the first 60 mini-satellites of the planned 12,000 for the Starlink project.

The OneWeb project, whose investors include the Virgin Group Richard Branson, Airbus Group, Softbank, Coca-Cola and Qualcom, was previously criticized by the FSB – the security service called it "a threat to national security." The development of a similar Russian project was then estimated at 230 billion rubles.

Recall that since the end of February the Russian government has changed the rules for the use of satellite communications networks under the jurisdiction of foreign countries. Now, any satellite traffic – telephone and Internet – will have to pass through the ground gateways located in the territory of the Russian Federation. The decree will take effect in August.

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