Re:Russian Minister Says ID Will Be Required to Access Internet
by jacquesm on Monday August 11, 2014 @06:59AM
(#8162770)
According to the Data Retention Directive this sort of thing is required in many more places than just Russia:
"Internet cafes and public telephone shops with at least three terminals must seek a license permit within 30 days from the Ministry of Home Affairs. They must also store traffic data for a period which may be determined later by administrative decree. Wi-Fi hotspots and locations that do not store traffic data have to secure ID information from users before allowing them to log on. For example, users may be required to enter a number from an ID card or driving license. It is not clear how this information is validated. Mobile telephony users must identify themselves before service activation, or before a SIM card may be obtained. Resellers of mobile subscriptions or pre-paid cards must verify the identity of purchasers and retain a photocopy of identity cards."
Obviously, you will not need an ID just to access the internet in Russia. But just like everywhere else you'll be using an endpoint that is loosely tied to some entity. In other words, you are not guaranteed anonymous access to the internet but that's true for most of the world, coffee shops, gas stations and other places that offer unsecured wifi are the exception, not the rule.
"Internet cafes and public telephone shops with at least three terminals must seek a license permit within 30 days from the Ministry of Home Affairs. They must also store traffic data for a period which may be determined later by administrative decree. Wi-Fi hotspots and locations that do not store traffic data have to secure ID information from users before allowing them to log on. For example, users may be required to enter a number from an ID card or driving license. It is not clear how this information is validated. Mobile telephony users must identify themselves before service activation, or before a SIM card may be obtained. Resellers of mobile subscriptions or pre-paid cards must verify the identity of purchasers and retain a photocopy of identity cards."
Obviously, you will not need an ID just to access the internet in Russia. But just like everywhere else you'll be using an endpoint that is loosely tied to some entity. In other words, you are not guaranteed anonymous access to the internet but that's true for most of the world, coffee shops, gas stations and other places that offer unsecured wifi are the exception, not the rule.