Starting September 1, migrant workers in Moscow and the Moscow region will be required to install a special mobile application that allows authorities to monitor their movements. Those who refuse face possible deportation. The pilot program, approved by President Vladimir Putin, will last four years and may expand nationwide if successful.
While intended to improve migration control, the app raises serious human rights concerns, especially regarding privacy and personal data protection.
Legal and privacy concerns
Article 23 of the Russian Constitution guarantees the right to privacy, but critics argue that mandatory geolocation tracking violates this principle. Human rights groups warn that such surveillance constitutes an unjustified intrusion into private life. Damelya Aythozhina of Human Rights Watch says the app likely fails tests for necessity, proportionality, and respect for human dignity under both Russian and international law.
Additionally, Russian law prohibits collecting personal data without consent. Although migrants must agree to data processing to use the app, the “consent” is effectively coerced since installation is mandatory. Experts highlight the app’s demand for sensitive data such as geolocation, which may be excessive for its stated purpose—tracking migrant registration.
Alisher Ilhamov, Director of Central Asia Due Diligence, warns about the risks of data leaks and misuse, especially given corruption within law enforcement and insufficient cybersecurity protections.
Tajik technology expert Rustam Gulov adds that the app could potentially collect other private information, such as smartphone characteristics and access to contacts or installed apps, depending on its design.
Potential violations
- Infringement of the constitutional right to privacy
- Coerced and excessive collection of personal data contrary to federal law
- Discrimination against migrants since Russian citizens are not subjected to the same tracking
Is there any benefit?
Some see a small advantage: migrants may be able to register their current addresses themselves, rather than relying on landlords who often refuse to register them to evade taxes.
Human rights advocate Valentina Chupik notes this could reduce the widespread use of fake registrations. However, she still calls mandatory tracking “outrageous.”
Similar measures abroad
The US uses various digital monitoring tools for certain migrants under immigration proceedings or supervision, including apps that track location, require check-in calls, electronic ankle bracelets, and office visits. But unlike Russia, these measures are not applied to all migrants indiscriminately.
Russia’s approach: more sweeping and controversial
Russia plans to enforce digital tracking on all migrant workers, regardless of legal status or violations, sparking debate over privacy rights and government overreach.
