Russian Data Storage

Our citizens, our rules: Clarification on the new Russian data storage requirements

New amendments to the Russian Federal Act on Personal Data are due to come into force on 1 September via Russian Federal Law No. 242-FZ "On the Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation to Clarify the Framework for Personal Data Processing in the Information and Telecommunications Networks".

The main thrust of the amendments is that local and foreign "operators" will be required to keep databases processing personal data of Russian citizens on Russian Federation territory and to provide information on the location of these databases.

The "ums", "errs" and theories on the possible interpretations of the new rules and terms such as "citizenship" as well as the practical implications of the rules have been numerous since the proposed amendments were published in July 2014.