INFORMATION SECURITY AND CRIMINAL LAW PROTECTION OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION: CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTICLE 207.3 OF THE CRIMINAL CODE

Chizhova Elena Sergeevna

The article presents a comprehensive study of criminal law protection of information security in the context of disseminating deliberately false information regarding the activities of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Particular attention is given to the analysis of Article 207.3 of the Russian Criminal Code as a legal instrument for responding to hybrid informational threats. The research identifies the conceptual ambiguity between “deliberately false” and “unreliable” information, explores conflicts in law enforcement practice, and examines intersections with other criminal and administrative norms. Theoretical and legal approaches to the qualification of such acts are presented, alongside criteria distinguishing intentional disinformation from evaluative judgments. Based on the analysis of court rulings and academic sources, specific legislative proposals are developed to improve Article 207.3 of the Criminal Code: refinement of the article’s wording, introduction of legal definitions, delimitation from administrative offenses, and issuance of interpretative guidance by the Supreme Court. The study aims to ensure a balanced approach between safeguarding national security and upholding the constitutional right to freedom of expression.

Keywords:information security, criminal law, deliberately false information, Armed Forces of the Russian Federation