Russia’s State Duma tightens rules for ‘foreign agents’ — adding more inspections and banning social advertising Russia’s State Duma has passed amendments to tighten oversight of “foreign agents,” requiring banks to share financial data and banning social advertising on their platforms. These “foreign agents” have also lost protections against surprise inspections, making them more vulnerable to government scrutiny. As of 2026, over 1,200 entities are designated as “foreign agents,” with the criteria now including “foreign influence” even without direct funding.

• Banks must provide financial transaction data of “foreign agents” to the Justice Ministry within three days of a request.
• Social advertising is banned on “foreign agent” websites and platforms, and they cannot commission it.
• Individuals or organizations denied removal from the “foreign agent” registry cannot reapply for a year.
• “Foreign agents” must submit reports electronically, though one paper form is still required.
• “Foreign agents” are no longer protected from surprise inspections and excessive government demands.
• Over 1,200 individuals and organizations were designated as “foreign agents” by 2026.
• Russia’s “foreign agent” law allows designation for being under “foreign influence” without requiring foreign funding.