New laws come into force in Russia in May

New laws will come into force in Russia in May: control over the activities of foreign agents and those who have fled the country will be tightened, new measures will be taken to combat fraudsters, and the protection of personal data will be strengthened.

The probability of becoming a foreign agent is higher

From May 2, those who assist in the implementation of decisions of international organizations in which Russia does not participate, assist foreign government agencies in activities that compromise Russia's security, or involve people, including minors, in collecting information that can harm the country, will be recognized as foreign agents.

On April 21, a law to counter foreign interference in Russia's internal affairs came into force. Criminal liability has been increased for assisting in the implementation of decisions by international organizations with which the country does not participate, and for discrediting the Russian Armed Forces. Property obtained as a result of such crimes will be confiscated. It has become possible to conduct a trial without the defendant's participation for foreign agents and those who fled the country, under 20 criminal articles.

Against fraudsters

A law aimed at combating fraud will take effect on May 15. Banks are required to develop schemes that prevent loans from being issued without the client's consent. Also, instead of blocking bank cards, credit institutions will be able to introduce limits on transfers (up to 100,000 rubles per month) if the sender's data is included in the Central Bank of Russia's database of clients identified in suspicious transactions. This will help people whose data has been compromised and used by fraudsters.

To protect personal data

A law on strengthening the protection of personal data will come into force on May 30. The amount of fines for companies in the event of a data leak will depend on its scale and can reach 15 million rubles. In the event of a repeated violation, turnover fines will take effect, up to 3% of the company's revenue. Administrative liability will also be introduced for refusing to conclude or execute contracts and provide state or municipal services if a citizen refuses to provide biometrics.

Unified database of alimony debtors

A registry of alimony debtors will be launched in Russia on May 25. The database will include debtors who are brought to administrative or criminal liability for failing to pay alimony, as well as those added to the wanted list. The information will be publicly available until the debt is paid in full.

New grounds for obtaining the status of a combat veteran

Additional grounds for obtaining the status of combat veteran will be introduced on May 2. It will be received by military personnel, law enforcement officers, and volunteers who participated in repelling the armed invasion of Russian territory.

Author: Laysan Zakirova