Russia Moves to Mandate Call Filtering to Fight Phone Scams

Telecom providers could soon be required to automatically block suspicious calls and texts—a move aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and improving digital trust.

A new legislative proposal in Russia could make anti-spam and fraud call filtering a mandatory service. The draft law, introduced by lawmakers Sergey Mironov and Yana Lantratova, would require telecom operators to provide subscribers with automated call and message blocking—free of charge, reports First Technical.

Under amendments to the federal law 'On Communications,' mobile carriers would be obligated to activate these filtering systems by default. This measure is especially important for elderly users who may struggle with configuring security apps. The technical specifications for the service will be drafted by Roskomnadzor, Russia’s digital oversight agency.

According to the bill’s authors, the initiative is expected to reduce scam activity, boost digital literacy, and strengthen public confidence in telecom services. The push for smart call protection aligns with Russia’s broader strategy for secure, tech-driven communication infrastructure.