Politics · Russia · 2 hrs ago
Russia plans to require 5G phones to support encryption algorithm from 2032
Russia’s digital ministry has drafted a rule requiring 5G phones to support Kuznechik from 1 March 2032.
Kuznechik is a Russian encryption algorithm intended to protect data sent over a network.
The draft order is planned to take effect in 2027, giving phone and equipment makers time to prepare.
The rule would apply to smartphones used on 5G networks in Russia, but the ministry says foreign phones without Kuznechik could still connect as usual.
Phones need compatible modem hardware for the algorithm, and current Qualcomm and Unisoc chips do not include it.
That makes support difficult to add to existing phones, and an equipment maker said phones may not support it before 2030.
The final details, including how the rule will apply to phones already bought, are not yet clear.
Operators and device makers must coordinate the change as Russia develops domestic 5G equipment and encryption.
Russia’s Digital Development Ministry has prepared a draft order requiring 5G smartphones in Russia to support the domestic Kuznechik encryption algorithm from 1 March 2032.
The order is due to take effect on 1 March 2027, but the smartphone requirement would begin five years later.
The transition period is intended to give manufacturers time to adapt devices and software.
The algorithm needs to be supported by a phone’s modem or other hardware; the articles say current Qualcomm and Unisoc chips do not support Russian algorithms.
The ministry says foreign phones without Kuznechik will still be able to work on 5G networks as usual, while rules for devices already bought remain unclear.
- Who
- Russia’s Digital Development Ministry has prepared the draft order. Smartphone manufacturers and 5G network operators would also be affected.
- What
- The proposal would require 5G smartphones in Russia to support the Kuznechik encryption algorithm.
- When
- The order is planned to take effect on 1 March 2027, with the smartphone requirement starting on 1 March 2032.
- Where
- Russia.
- Why
- To introduce domestic cryptographic protection in Russian 5G networks and give manufacturers time to adapt devices and software.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Earlier attempts to require 5G networks to use Russian cryptography began, but previous proposals were not approved.
Commercial 5G networks launched in 16 Russian cities, mainly using LTE frequencies.
The draft order is scheduled to take effect.
The proposed requirement for 5G smartphones to support Kuznechik is scheduled to begin.
- Algorithm
- Kuznechik, designated NEA7 in 5G standards
- Draft order effective date
- 1 March 2027
- Smartphone requirement start
- 1 March 2032
- 5G launch
- 16 Russian cities
- Network station transition
- Operators are to begin switching to domestic base stations in 2027 and finish by the end of 2031
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What people are saying
российские станции уже поддерживают отечественные алгоритмы программно
реализовать «Кузнечик» через SIM-карту нельзя