The Senate extends until 2035 the ban on the use of antivirus software and IT equipment from Russia in public institutions

On Monday, the Senate adopted, with 104 votes in favor and one against, a legislative proposal to extend until December 31, 2035, the ban on the purchase, installation and use of software products and services from Russia by public authorities.

The measure seeks to protect the computer systems of public institutions and is justified by lawmakers on the grounds that the security risks generated by the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine are persisting and worsening. The ban provided for by Law 354/2022 was due to expire on December 31, 2026. The initiators argue that the extension provides a stable period of protection for the foreseeable duration of the threat.

The proposal was signed by lawmakers from almost the entire political spectrum and will next be debated by the Chamber of Deputies, which is the decision-making body in this case. Until the new provisions are adopted and promulgated, the ban remains applicable under the current legislation.

Several institutions are involved in identifying the products and services covered by the law, including the National Directorate for Cybersecurity, the Authority for the Digitalization of Romania, the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Special Telecommunications Service, the Protection and Guard Service, and ORNISS.