Data Localisation Law – Clarifications Published With One Month To Go…

Just one month before the new Data Localisation Law ('the law') is due to come into force, the Russian Ministry of Communications has published its long-awaited clarifications (in Russian) to the new law.

These clarifications, although unofficial and non-binding, provide further guidance on the new law which will require all organisations processing personal data on Russian residents to collect and store such data within Russia. Key clarifications include:

•  As a general rule, the law should not apply to non-residents of Russia (including foreign organisations). Because of the nature of the Internet, however, organisations that use the Internet to conduct business within Russia may be caught.