The Russian government has introduced a new law requiring all foreign nationals in the Moscow region to install a tracking app on their smartphones. Announced by State Duma
Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, the law aims to combat migrant-related crimes.
The app will collect sensitive data including:
- Residence location
- Fingerprint
- Facial photograph
- Real-time geolocation
Foreigners must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) within three working days if they change their residence. The law excludes diplomats and Belarusian citizens.
Those who avoid installing the app will be added to a registry of monitored individuals and face deportation.
Russian internet freedom group Roskomsvoboda expressed skepticism. Lawyer Anna Minushkina argued the law violates constitutional rights to privacy. Viktor Teplyankov, president of the Uzbek Community in Moscow, called it “ill-conceived and difficult to implement.” Andrey Yakimov from PSP Foundation warned it could deter labor migrants, creating new challenges.
The proposal is still under discussion, with unresolved issues like handling device loss or theft. The tracking system is planned to run until September 2029, with potential expansion nationwide if successful.
Found this article interesting? Follow us on X(Twitter) ,Threads and FaceBook to read more exclusive content we post.
