Russia Will 'Never' Monitor Facebook - Communications Regulator

The Russian telecom watchdog Roskomnadzor said that it will not monitor Facebook in connection with the law on personal data entering into force in Russia.

The Russian Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Telecom, Information Technologies and Mass Communications, or Roskomnadzor, is not going to monitor Facebook use in connection with Russia’s new personal data law coming into force, Roskomnadzor's press secretary Vadim Ampelonsky stated.

"The monitoring of Facebook in 2015, in compliance with the 242nd Law on Personal Data, is not planned," he was quoted by the Russian media as saying.

Upon being asked when Roskomnadzor will start monitoring the social networking giant, Ampelonsky answered "never."

Also, he denied the information about Facebook's alleged refusal to install its servers in Russia.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that Facebook does not plan to transfer Russian users’ personal data onto Russian servers in accordance with the country's new data security law, which comes into force on September 1.

According to Ampelonsky, the topic was not voiced during a meeting between Roskomnadzor head Alexander Zharov and Myrup Kristensen, Facebook’s director of public policy in North and East Europe and Russia.

Amendments to Russia’s personal data law require Internet companies to store Russian nationals’ data exclusively within the country.

Under the new law, a Russian citizen’s personal data may only be processed in a different country under specific circumstances, and under the supervision of the state regulator.

In this particular case, Roskomnadzor has the authority to limit access to the information processed if it's in violation of Russia's legislation on personal data.