Private data security

Russia's Data Storage Laws Among 'Most Destructive Policies of 2016'

A leading technology thinktank has branded Russia's controversial data-storage laws as one of the most destructive protectionist policies of 2016.

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) based in the U.S. slammed the Kremlin's controversial Yarovaya laws in their top 10 list of “Worst Innovation Mercantilist Policies of 2016,” published on Thursday.

“The law aims to help Russian authorities fight terrorism, but its impact will be felt economy-wide (and society-wide), especially by Russia’s digital economy,” the group said in a report published on Wednesday.

The new law, authored by ultra-conservative United Russia lawmaker Irina Yarovaya, will require mobile operators to store customers’ messages, including photos and videos, for six months.