Topic
TASS
Russian Minister Proposes Blocking All SIM Cards of Scammers Banned in MAX Messenger
Fraud & Social Engineering
Russia Ready to Disclose Source Code of Social Networks, Messengers and AI Models, Minister Shadaev Says
Policy & Regulation
Russia Sets 2030 Deadline to Deliver LTE Internet to Small Settlements
OtherFSB 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.