The controversial Telegram channel and bot ‘Eye of God,’ renowned for its ability to retrieve extensive personal information for online databases, has significantly scaled back its offerings. The move follows new legislative changes in Russia aimed at bolstering personal data protection.
Previously, ‘Eye of God’ users could access a comprehensive array of leaked data, often delivered as a consolidated file. The bot is now limited to sharing only basic personal information, such as full names, dates of birth, phone numbers, and taxpayer identification numbers, reports Meduza.
The shift comes in response to recent amendments in Russian legislation. The service’s support team reportedly informed researchers that the restrictions align with new regulations addressing personal data handling and breaches.
On November 26, the Russian State Duma passed a sweeping package of laws to tighten personal data controls. These measures include stricter penalties for data breaches and, for the first time, criminal liability for individuals involved in leaking such information.
The legal reforms appear to be part of Russian authorities’ broader effort to curb the misuse of personal data in both public and private spheres.
Security researcher Andrey Zakharov described ‘Eye of God’ as a trailblazer in data retrieval and among the most prominent services of its kind. Known for its expansive database, the service has gained a reputation for being comprehensive and accessible.
Notably, it is reportedly favoured by law enforcement agencies, which openly acknowledge using the platform for investigative purposes.
This dual role—as a tool for personal use and a resource for authorities—has made ‘Eye of Go’ a unique and sometimes controversial player in the information landscape. Its loyalty to state entities has further cemented its position as a go-to service in Russia’s increasingly scrutinised data ecosystem.
The restrictions imposed by ‘Eye of God’ reflect a growing awareness of data privacy issues in Russia and the legal repercussions of non-compliance. However, critics argue that these measures may not address the root causes of rampant data leaks or reduce the misuse of personal information.
In the News: One million Bluesky public posts released on Hugging Face
