The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has proposed a mandate requiring all 5G-enabled smartphones to support the national cryptographic algorithm Kuznyechik (GOST R 34.12-2015). The requirement is scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2032, providing manufacturers with approximately six years to prepare for the transition.
The Kuznyechik algorithm is intended for traffic encryption and data integrity verification in 5G networks via the NEA7 and NIA7 mechanisms. Because encryption occurs directly within the modem chip, implementation requires hardware-level integration. Currently, this algorithm is not supported by major foreign chip manufacturers such as Qualcomm and Unisoc, nor is it part of the international 3GPP standard.
Industry experts note that implementing this technology will require significant investment and is unlikely to be feasible before 2030. While Russian base stations already support the algorithm via software, hardware modifications for radio channel protection will take one to two years and cost hundreds of millions of rubles.
Until the March 2032 deadline, foreign devices lacking support for the Russian algorithm will continue to operate using existing standards, such as AES. The Ministry has not yet clarified how the new regulations will apply to smartphones already in circulation once the mandate becomes effective.
