Authorization on Russian websites: new restrictions for businesses and what internet resource owners need to check

The topic of digital infrastructure regulation continues to evolve rapidly. While businesses previously focused on new requirements for identifying domain name owners, the next step has been changes to user authorization methods on Russian internet resources.

Liability now extends not only to domain owners, but also to operators of websites, online stores, online services, and mobile applications that use user registration and login systems.

Why is the government changing authorization rules?

The main idea behind the changes is to make digital user identification more controllable and eliminate Russian services’ dependence on foreign digital infrastructure.

While many websites previously offered logins through foreign accounts, the use of such authorization methods is now significantly limited.

This doesn’t mean banning the operation of the websites or mobile apps themselves. The changes specifically affect the methods of verifying a user’s identity during registration and login.

In fact, the legislature continues its course toward the formation of a national digital infrastructure, where key identification services are under Russian jurisdiction.

What authentication methods remain acceptable?

Today, Russian website owners are advised to use only authorization methods provided by law.

These include:

• login using a Russian phone number;
• use of the state identification system;
• unified biometric system (if used);
• Russian commercial authorization services.

The use of foreign login systems as an independent method of user registration now creates significant legal risks for Internet resource owners.

It is important to understand one nuance.

If a user previously registered using a foreign email address, that login itself does not constitute a violation. The restrictions apply specifically to authentication services that verify a user’s identity through foreign platforms.

Who is affected by the new requirements?

The changes apply to virtually all owners of digital services that require user registration:

• online stores;
• corporate portals;
• marketplaces;
• educational platforms;
• SaaS services;
• mobile applications;
• personal accounts of clients;
• any sites with a registration and login system.

If a resource allows a user to create an account or log in, the login mechanisms used should be tested to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Why the issue concerns more than just the IT department

At first glance, the changes appear to be purely technical.

In practice, this is a question of corporate compliance.

Many companies implemented authentication systems several years ago. Website development utilized ready-made libraries and modules that automatically enabled popular login methods across international platforms.

Over time, such decisions became part of the infrastructure, and legal departments were not always involved in assessing the emerging risks.

Today, this practice requires revision.

The presence of a prohibited authorization method may become an independent basis for holding the resource owner liable, regardless of how actively users use it.

What are the risks for business?

The new requirements come with significant fines.

In this case, responsibility is placed on the owners of websites and applications, and not on the users.

In addition to financial sanctions, the company may face other consequences:

• the need for urgent revision of the user registration mechanism;
• additional costs for website development;
• conducting unscheduled internal audits;
• increased attention from regulatory authorities;
• reputational losses during public discussion of violations.

The changes are particularly sensitive for large online platforms with a large number of registered users.

What is recommended to check now?

The new requirements are a good reason to conduct a comprehensive audit of the company’s digital infrastructure.

In practice, it is worth checking several directions at once.

First , determine what registration and login methods are implemented on the website or in the mobile application.

Secondly , make sure that there are no prohibited foreign authorization services among them.

Third , check the functionality of third-party modules, CMS, and ready-made plugins. Many of them automatically install login buttons through foreign platforms, which the website owner may not even be aware of.

Fourth , evaluate the user registration process after disabling foreign login methods. Changing the authorization mechanism should not degrade the customer experience or lead to the loss of existing users.

Finally, it’s recommended to review contracts with developers and contractors responsible for website maintenance. It’s important to understand who is responsible for ensuring the software complies with mandatory legal requirements.

The general trend of digital regulation

When looking at recent changes as a whole, a general trend becomes clear.

First, new requirements for identifying domain name owners were introduced. Now, a similar approach is being applied to identifying users of digital services.

In fact, the state is consistently building a unified model for managing digital infrastructure, in which all key elements—domain names, methods for identifying resource owners, and user authorization mechanisms—must be within the framework of the Russian legal and technological system.

For businesses, this means that internet resource management issues are gradually moving far beyond the exclusive purview of IT specialists. They are becoming part of a company’s legal security system, alongside personal data protection, information security, and corporate digital asset management.

That’s why it’s advisable to conduct a review of authorization mechanisms simultaneously with an audit of domain names, personal data processing policies, and the organization’s entire digital infrastructure. This comprehensive approach allows for the timely identification of potential risks, avoiding significant costs associated with emergency service upgrades, and ensuring online resources comply with new regulatory requirements.