The FSB has gained direct access to Russians' accounts and correspondence
In the Russian Federation, the establishment of a repressive police state has been completed, with security services gaining unrestricted access to citizens’ finances, communications, and private lives.
According to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, as of April 1, 2026, the FSB has been granted the right to demand copies of any organization’s databases without a court order.
Banks, large corporations, and scientific institutions have come under the control of law enforcement agencies, effectively eliminating any remaining privacy.
During the first quarter of 2026 alone, the special services’ powers were expanded five times.
One of the most repressive tools has been the FSB’s ability to cut off citizens’ access to the internet and mobile communications at its own discretion.
Moscow has already implemented a “whitelist” system—a list of permitted resources that remain accessible during mass internet blackouts, reminiscent of the experiences in China and Iran.
In addition to digital control, the security service has officially been granted the right to open and operate its own detention centers.
Although facilities such as “Lefortovo” have always been under the de facto influence of the FSB, this is now enshrined in law.
This gives security forces complete freedom in their treatment of detainees, particularly Ukrainian prisoners of war and political prisoners, without external oversight.
Repressive measures have also affected academic activities: all institutions are now required to report on research involving foreign nationals.
The retention period for user data on communication platforms has been extended from one to three years. This allows security services to analyze citizens’ digital footprints over an extended period, searching for any signs of disloyalty to the regime.
As a reminder, Russia has tightened restrictions on access to Telegram and other messaging apps.
Recently, the Penza city administration banned a protest against the blocking of Telegram, scheduled for March 29 in the local Hyde Park. Activist Ivan Finogeyev reported that officials justified the refusal by stating that an open rollerblading training session would be taking place at the same time.
Earlier, Mikhail Oseevsky, head of the Russian company Rostelecom, claimed there had been a sharp drop in traffic on the Telegram messaging app.
As a reminder, Russianmilitary personnel have been banned from using Telegram for official purposes.
Is it possible to block Telegram in Ukraine, and does it make sense to do so?
Telegram has also rolled out a major update with a range of new features for regular users and Premium subscribers.
