.png){kind=logo}
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree requiring privately owned data centers to reserve 10% of their computing capacity to support the country's critical IT infrastructure. The measure is intended to ensure that essential digital services remain operational during emergencies and disruptions.
Under the new order, data center operators must keep a portion of their available resources ready for government use. A special government commission will have the authority to request access to the reserved capacity when required.
The decree allows authorities to use the reserved infrastructure to maintain important Russian websites, online services and IT systems. Once a request is issued, data center operators must make the required resources available within 24 hours.
Russia's Ministry of Digital Development has also been instructed to conduct an inventory of available computing capacity and floor space at privately operated data centers across the country. The ministry will establish requirements for operators to ensure reliable and secure infrastructure operations.
This move comes after the growing concerns surrounding the security of Russia’s digital infrastructure. Ukraine drones reportedly attacked the data centers of Yandex and Sberbank. This means that the data centers for the big internet companies are vulnerable.
This has increased the concern regarding the importance of having alternative infrastructure and computing sources.
Also Read: MEXC Aims to End Russia and Belarus Services as Users Await Notices
The decree also allows Russian authorities to temporarily use data centers located outside the country to support domestic IT services. However, such arrangements will require approval from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). The government commission will oversee decisions involving the use of additional infrastructure and determine when reserved resources are needed.
The move reflects Moscow's efforts to strengthen the resilience of its digital infrastructure as geopolitical tensions and security concerns continue to affect technology operations. Requiring private operators to maintain spare capacity could provide the government with additional resources during emergencies.