Financial institutions in Russia will not be able to communicate with clients through instant messengers based outside the country, local media revealed. A new law passed by the State Duma also prohibits banks from using chats to send personal data and payment documents.

Bill Restricts Russian Banks and Brokers From Sending Sensitive Information Through Foreign Messengers

Banks in the Russian Federation will not be allowed to contact their customers on a number of popular messengers, according to new legislation approved by the lower house of parliament. The ban applies to foreign-based platforms.

A list of the affected apps is yet to be published by Roskomnadzor, the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media, but Telegram, Whatsapp, Viber, and the like fit the description, the business daily Kommersant reported.

The draft law, passed by the State Duma in the third reading, also restricts the use of this type of messaging service for correspondence containing sensitive information like personal data or documents related to payments and money transfers.

The restrictions concern not only banks but all other financial organizations as well, including brokers, companies operating in the securities market, management firms, investment funds, and private pension funds and depositories, the article details.

Digital Development Ministry to Oversee the Implementation of the New Restrictions

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