152-FZCompliancePersonal Data

152-FZ in 2025: New Fines, Requirements, and a Step-by-Step Compliance Plan

March 20, 2025 · 11 min read · System Networks

Since 2024, fines for violating Russia's personal data law have increased by 10–30x. A single data breach without proper Roskomnadzor notification can now cost a company up to ₽15 million. If your business operates in Russia or processes data of Russian citizens, this concerns you directly.

Who Must Comply with 152-FZ

152-FZ applies to any organisation that processes personal data of Russian citizens — regardless of where the company is incorporated. This includes:

Any Russian company with employees
Online shops selling to Russian customers
SaaS companies with Russian users
Foreign companies with Russian employees or customers
Banks, insurance, healthcare, education
HR departments (all organisations)

New Fine Schedule (from 2024)

ViolationFirst offenceRepeat / aggravated
Processing without legal basis / consent₽100,000 – ₽500,000₽500,000 – ₽1,500,000
Data breach without Roskomnadzor notification (72h)₽1,000,000 – ₽3,000,000₽5,000,000 – ₽15,000,000
Illegal cross-border data transfer₽1,000,000 – ₽6,000,000Up to ₽18,000,000
Failure to respond to data subject requestsUp to ₽300,000Up to ₽1,000,000
Storing data without required technical measuresUp to ₽1,000,000Up to ₽3,000,000

Core Requirements: What You Must Do

Data localisation

Primary databases with personal data of Russian citizens must be stored on servers physically located in Russia. Copies may be kept abroad. Violation can result in website blocking by Roskomnadzor.

Register as a data operator

Most organisations must notify Roskomnadzor that they process personal data. The register is public. Failure to register is a separate violation.

Obtain valid consent

Consent must be specific, informed, and freely given. Pre-ticked boxes are not valid. Consent must be documented and stored for 3 years after data deletion.

Implement technical security measures

Depending on the data category and volume, implement access controls, encryption, logging, and regular security assessments. The specific level depends on the "protection level" (UZ) classification.

Breach notification within 72 hours

Any personal data breach must be reported to Roskomnadzor within 24 hours of discovery, with a full incident report within 72 hours. Missing this deadline is a separate, heavily fined violation.

Respond to data subject requests

Individuals have the right to access, correct, and delete their personal data. Requests must be responded to within 30 days.

Compliance Checklist

01
Register with Roskomnadzor as a data operatorMandatory for most organisations
02
Audit all personal data you collect and processCreate a data flow map
03
Verify primary databases are hosted in RussiaCheck hosting agreements
04
Review and update consent formsSpecific, granular, documented
05
Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO)Required for large-scale processing
06
Implement access controls and encryptionBased on UZ classification
07
Establish breach response procedure24h initial report, 72h full report
08
Train employees on 152-FZ requirementsAnnual training recommended
09
Review contracts with data processorsAll must comply with 152-FZ
10
Establish data retention and deletion policyData should not be kept longer than necessary

152-FZ compliance and data localisation

IT infrastructure audit and 152-FZ compliance support →

Data mapping · DPO services · Technical measures · Roskomnadzor registration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 152-FZ?

Federal Law No. 152-FZ "On Personal Data" is Russia's primary data protection law. It regulates how organisations collect, store, process and transfer personal data of Russian citizens. Any company operating in Russia or processing data of Russian citizens must comply.

What are the fines for violating 152-FZ in 2025?

Since 2024, fines increased dramatically. Processing without consent: up to ₽500,000. Data breach without notification: up to ₽3,000,000 for first breach, ₽15,000,000 for repeated. Illegal cross-border transfer: up to ₽6,000,000.

Where must personal data of Russian citizens be stored?

Primary databases containing personal data of Russian citizens must be stored on servers physically located in Russia. Companies may maintain copies abroad, but the primary database must be in Russia. Violation can result in website blocking.

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