From TechRadar · · 1m 50s
Putin orders private data centers to reserve 10% for state
Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed privately operated data centres to set aside 10% of their computing capacity for government use, with a 10-day implementation deadline.
In brief
Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed privately operated data centres to set aside 10% of their computing capacity for government use, with a 10-day implementation deadline. Russia's government will gain access to 10% of private data center capacity within 24 hours of request, following Putin's directive on…
Putin orders data center reserves
Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed privately operated data centres to make computing resources available for government information systems. Facilities must set aside 10% of their capacity.
Directive appeared November 2, 2026
According to Russian media outlet Astra, the directive appeared on the country's official legal information website on November 2, 2026. Operators have been given 10 days to meet the requirement.
State can demand access in 24 hours
A special government subcommission will determine when the state can demand access. Facilities must provide requested resources within 24 hours. Companies retain ownership and can use reserved capacity during ordinary business operations.
Companies receive payment for access
The decree specifies that companies will receive payment for providing access. The government body responsible will establish a ceiling on applicable charges. Officials must also establish procedures governing allocation decisions.
Ministry oversees data center capacity
The Ministry of Digital Development has been assigned responsibility for overseeing the country's data centre capacity. The ministry will assess available floor space and computing resources across domestic facilities.
Directive follows Ukrainian attacks
The directive arrives amid continuing pressure on Russian digital infrastructure, including Ukrainian attacks against facilities supporting domestic internet services. In October 2026, Ukrainian strikes hit three Yandex data centres inside Russia.
Foreign facilities allowed with FSB approval
Despite the new requirement, Russian information services can temporarily operate using computing resources located abroad. Such arrangements require approval from the Federal Security Service, commonly known as the FSB.
The one thing
Russia's government will gain access to 10% of private data center capacity within 24 hours of request, following Putin's directive on November 2, 2026.
