Putin admits corrections to data retention laws for business sake

MOSCOW, Sep 7 (PRIME) -- The Russian government could amend controversial anti-terrorism laws, obliging telecom and Internet operators to store metadata and content of users’ talks to make life easier for the business, President Vladimir Putin said late on Tuesday at a meeting with the United Russia political party.

“The government is well aware, and the communications ministry is dealing with the matter; it’s necessary to monitor what is happening closely. If we all see the possibility to solve the task without putting the business into a difficult situation and conditions, and then, perhaps, we could introduce some corrections in the future,” Putin told Irina Yarovaya, a co-author of the package of the laws, which raised hot disputes.

The laws oblige telecom operators and Internet companies to keep records of users’ activities and content of talks and correspondence. Companies must provide special services with an access to data upon demand.

“Evidently, we should use any technical opportunity to ensure security of citizens,” Putin said.

“We see what is going on in the world and I think nobody doubts that we should do our best to protect the people. At that, if we could do it without meddling in the business of our large operators, we certainly should take this path.”

Leading operators opposed the laws saying they would translate into soaring expenses and tariffs for subscribers.

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