Russian Big Data Association proposes rules for overseas data backups

Russia's Big Data Association is ready to develop requirements for storing Russians' personal data in data centres in friendly countries. Its initiative would allow overseas backups to be prepared before infrastructure is damaged.

The association proposes working with market participants on information security requirements, retention periods and transfer procedures. It envisages a temporary mechanism under which Russian companies would retain responsibility for keeping the information secure.

The Association of Internet Trade Companies previously asked Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to let affected businesses use overseas backup data centres until March 1, 2028. The Big Data Association's proposal also covers backups created before an incident.

The initiative follows attacks on data centres belonging to Yandex, Sberbank and VK. The association said it was ready to prepare proposals urgently for discussion with the relevant authorities.