Tracking Deployment of Russian Surveillance Technologies

This report details the deployment of Russian surveillance technologies, specifically the System for Operative Investigative Activities (SORM), in Central Asia and Latin America. It identifies multiple Russian providers exporting SORM tools, which are integral to Russia's digital monitoring system. The report outlines how governments in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Cuba, and Nicaragua utilize these systems, indicating a significant expansion of Russian surveillance technology in these regions. The document emphasizes the risks associated with SORM, including the potential for governments to intercept internet traffic with minimal oversight, thus increasing opportunities for surveillance abuses. It discusses the implications for data privacy and security, particularly for companies operating in these regions. The report also suggests measures for businesses to mitigate risks, such as employing privacy tools and conducting thorough assessments of local surveillance capabilities. Overall, the findings highlight the concerning proliferation of Russian surveillance technologies and their impact on state surveillance practices.