The Ministry of Digital Development has drafted an order requiring 5G smartphones in Russia to support the domestic Kuznechik encryption algorithm. This mandate is scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2032, allowing manufacturers time to adapt their devices to the new standards.
Kuznechik is a GOST-certified algorithm used in secure communications and state systems. In 5G standards, it is designated as NEA7 for data encryption and NIA7 for integrity verification. Currently, the algorithm is absent from 3GPP standards, and major chipmakers like Qualcomm and Unisoc do not include it in their hardware.
Experts note that implementing Kuznechik via SIM cards is not feasible, as it requires hardware-level support in modems. While domestic base stations are being upgraded to support Russian algorithms, the transition is expected to take years. Industry representatives highlight that the lack of cooperation from global chip manufacturers poses a significant challenge.
Commercial 5G networks operated by MTS, MegaFon, Beeline, and T2 launched on September 11 in 16 Russian cities. Operators are mandated to transition to domestic base station equipment by the end of 2031. Previous attempts to enforce similar cryptographic requirements faced opposition from companies like Qualcomm, Nokia, and Ericsson due to implementation costs.
