This week:
- Belarus announced the development of new ICT legislation;
- Kyrgyzstan will issue biometric e-passports;
- Belarus plans to use blockchain technology;
- Russia adopted a bill on online theaters;
- Belarus announced new regulation on the use of drones;
- Amendments to legislation on public-private partnerships are discussed in Russia;
- Uzbekistan to launch an updated governmental e-portal;
- Russia will certify communication equipment to increase transport security.
1. Revolutionary Comprehensive ICT Legislation is Being Prepared in Belarus.
Belarus is developing a large-scale legal act that will remove all obstacles to ICT development and will promote the spread of information technologies. The document was announced by president Alexander Lukashenko. The content of the document is still unknown, but experts believe that even with the adoption of the bill, the situation will not change radically.
2. Kyrgyz Republic Introduces Digital ID for 2017.
The Kyrgyz government announced that from 1 May to 31 December 2017 citizens of Kyrgyzstan can apply for biometric e-passports. The delivery of the new ID will take up to 14 days and is free of charge.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyztelecom announced the launch of a Data Center, that will ensure the uninterrupted work of server and network equipment.
3. Belarus may Start Using Cryptocurrency
Belarus has implemented a state project that uses blockchain. The new system enables storing data about issued bank guarantees. Representatives of the National Bank called the ambitious project the first step in legalizing cryptocurrency and using advanced data protection technologies.
At the same time, Russia plans to create a Unified Intellectual Property Management System based on blockchain technology. The new service will include all information about the use of any object of IP.
DR comments: Previously, we announced that Russia could become the first state in the world to regulate bitcoins.
4. Russia Normalized the Status of Online Theaters
On April 21, 2017, the Russian State Duma adopted, in the third reading, a bill aimed at regulating the activities of online theaters. This legislation normalized the legal status of audiovisual services, which monetize their services through advertising or providing video by subscription. The bill will come into force on July 1, 2017.
DR comments: Earlier, we announced that there were controversial issues such as the creation of a registry for OTT-services and a ban on foreign ownership of such services in the previously adopted bill on OTT services.
5. Belarus Liberalizes Regulation on Drones
The government of Belarus plans to allow the use of drones at a frequency of 2.4 Hz with a transmission power of up to 100 mW. The State Commission on Radio Frequencies within the Security Council of the Republic of Belarus is preparing to transfer that radio frequency from the Ministry of Defense to the owners of drones. However, the definition of “drones” has not yet been established.
6. Russian Duma Will Review the Amendments to Public-Private Partnership Regulation
On April 24, 2017, proposed amendments to legislation on public-private partnerships (PPP) were submitted to the State Duma. As part of the proposal, IT systems would be recognized as the objects of PPP. The changes will significantly reduce public spending on the informatization of state departments.
7. Updates to the Uzbek State e-portal Forthcoming
Uzbekistan will update its Single Portal of Interactive Public Services this May. Developers have simplified the interface, as well as integrated the databases of individuals and legal entities, providers of utilities, and payment systems.
8. Russia Improves Transport Security
Russia will provide certification of communication equipment for transport security. The certification will be mandatory for devices that are directly used in vehicles, including driving control systems, video cameras, metal detector frames, etc.