From: Center for Security Studies
By Katri Pynnoeniemi and Martti Kari
This article was originally published by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA) on 20 December 2016.
Russia´s new Information Security Doctrine follows the line adopted in previous strategic documents whereby Russia is perceived as a besieged fortress. The doctrine identifies a number of external threats to Russia’s information space and calls for intensified monitoring of the Russian segment of the internet, Runet.
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The information sphere is defined in a broader sense than in the previous doctrine. The key term in this regard is “informatization”, which refers to social, economic and technical processes for adopting and expanding information technology in society and the country as a whole, and for securing access to information resources. This change indicates recognition of the role of the information sphere in technological development but, most importantly, regards it as a tool to change the fabric of society. The Doctrine describes how this tool is used in the interests of Russia’s national security, and calls for an increased role for internet and information security management and the domestic production of information technology.
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Hence, Russia has started with the less time-consuming issue: strengthening the walls around Runet. The new Doctrine identifies the protection of people’s rights and freedoms in the information sphere, including access to information and the use of information as issues of national interest. At the same time, it is suggested that a balance should be struck between citizens’ rights to the free exchange of information and the limitations caused by the need for national security in the information sphere. The text also highlights the need for the continuous monitoring of information security threats. This indicates the increasing control over the Russian segment of the internet exerted by the security authorities as a part of the response to the internal and external threats in the information sphere
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