Snowden declares a ‘dark day for Russia’
Source: Washington Times
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed legislation Thursday compelling telephone companies and internet providers to save and store the private communications of its customers, notwithstanding concerns raised by human rights advocates and big business alike.
Included within a package of amendments proposed as antiterrorism measures, the law will require telecoms to collect and keep copies of customers’ phone calls, text messages and emails for six months, as well as maintain metadata concerning those communications for up to three years.
Other provisions effectively outlaw the use of digital encryption within Russia and introduce new penalties for individuals accused of inciting terrorism through social media.
Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who leaked information about the U.S. government’s intelligence gathering operations, said on Twitter that Mr. Putin’s signature authorizes “a repressive new law that violates not only human rights, but common sense,” and “must be condemned.”
“Dark day for Russia,” Mr. Snowden tweeted Thursday.
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