FSB gained direct access to Russians' accounts and correspondence - intelligence
Kyiv • UNN
Russian special services can now seize bank and corporate databases without a court order. The FSB has been granted the right to shut down the internet and open its own prisons.
In Russia, the control of special services over all spheres of life is rapidly increasing. From April 1, the FSB received the right to demand copies of databases from any organizations – from banks and corporations to scientific institutions – without a court decision. This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, writes UNN.
Details
In the first quarter of 2026, the powers of the FSB were expanded at least five times, more than in the entire period of 2024–2025 combined. Experts note that such rates indicate the systemic formation of a rigid model of state control.
Since February, the FSB can, at its discretion, disconnect citizens' mobile communications and internet access. In March, so-called "white lists" of websites were introduced in Moscow, which remain accessible even during restrictions. Thus, the special service actually determines which resources can exist in the information space.
It is known that test network disconnections have already been carried out in certain areas of the capital, which is presented as part of a new "security norm."
The FSB also received the right to open its own pre-trial detention centers. In fact, such institutions existed before – in particular, "Lefortovo" and SIZO-2 in Taganrog, where, among others, Ukrainian prisoners are held. Now their status has simply been legally formalized
At the same time, control over scientific and educational activities is being strengthened. All institutions are obliged to enter data on research involving foreigners into a single database. Critical infrastructure operators must transmit information about cyberattacks around the clock, and the data retention period for users has been increased to three years.
Among the new initiatives are control over the import and export of surveillance technologies, the creation of "blacklists" of IMEI for gadgets, and the verification of Russian artificial intelligence models for so-called "sovereignty." This means assessing their suitability for internal use, including for controlling citizens.
The strengthening of the FSB's powers is not happening for the first time. In 2025, universities were obliged to coordinate international contracts with the special service, and banks – to store and transmit client correspondence.