Gov't To Allot $303Mln For Bill To Shield Internet In Russia From Disconnection - Lawmaker

The Russian government will allocate 20 billion rubles ($303 million) for the implementation of the bill that seeks to ensure that the Russian segment of the global web network continues to operate properly in the event national providers become disconnected, Andrey Klishas, the bill's co-author and the upper house member, told Sputnik on Thursday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th February, 2019) The Russian government will allocate 20 billion rubles ($303 million) for the implementation of the bill that seeks to ensure that the Russian segment of the global web network continues to operate properly in the event national providers become disconnected, Andrey Klishas, the bill's co-author and the upper house member, told Sputnik on Thursday.

The bill was introduced in parliament in December. Earlier this week, the government expressed general support for the initiative, adding that lawmakers should further elaborate on certain provisions of the draft legislation.

"The law on the [federal] budget envisages funding for the implementation of the measures proposed by the bill ... The road map of the Information Security project, which was approved by the government, envisages funding for these activities [worth more than 20 billion rubles]," Klishas said.

He explained that the proposed measures included the creation of a center that would monitor and control the public communications network, which would identify concrete threats to the internet in Russia and decide on countermeasures.

According to the lawmaker, as soon as the center becomes operational, conducts risk assessments and selects the equipment needed to neutralize threats, it will be possible to determine the amount of funds required for further activities.

Federal project Information Security is part of a national program called "Digital Economy of Russia 2024". It aims to protect individuals, society and the state from information threats by boosting security of critical information infrastructure while at the same time ensuring that constitutional rights and freedoms are observed.