In the modern digital space, where every website is required to comply with the legislation of the Russian Federation, the term “RKN number” is often encountered. This is not just a random set of numbers, but an important identifier that confirms the legality of the existence of an information resource or personal data operator. Many website owners are faced with the requirement to indicate this code, but not everyone understands its legal nature and the difference from other identifiers.
Abbreviation RKN stands for Roskomnadzor - a federal executive body exercising control and supervision functions in the field of communications, information technology and mass communications. It is this organization that maintains state registers into which data about websites, postal services, information dissemination organizers (IDI) and personal data operators is entered. Understanding that what is registration number, is critical to avoiding bans and fines.
There is often confusion between the registration number of a site as a media outlet, the number in the ORI registry, and simply a record of a domain name. It is important to immediately note: there is no single “RKN number” for all sites, there are different types of registry entries depending on the functionality and status of the resource. In this article we will examine in detail the types of numbering, verification methods and algorithms for actions in their absence.
What is hidden behind the abbreviation and what are the numbers?
When users search for “RKN number,” they most often mean one of three main identifiers. The first and most common is register entry on inclusion of the site in the register of information dissemination organizers. The second option is the registration number of the mass media, if the site is registered as an electronic periodical. The third is the number of the record on the processing of personal data.
Each of these numbers has its own format and purpose. For example, the entry number in the ORI register usually looks like a long string with dates and letters, while the mass media registration certificate number has a series and number format (for example, EL No. FS 77 -...). Roskomnadzor maintains separate records of these objects, so they cannot be confused.
Failure to obtain the required number can lead to serious consequences. For owners of resources subject to the ARI law, this threatens to be blocked by providers. For the media - the inability to legally work and distribute content. Therefore, the first step is always to determine the status of your resource.
Do not look for the “RKN number” in the settings of your hosting or domain registrar - this information is stored exclusively in Roskomnadzor databases and on your registration certificate.
ARI registry: how to get an identification number
Information dissemination organizers (IDI) are the owners of websites, forums, email services and instant messengers that provide the opportunity for users to transmit information to each other. According to Federal Law No. 97-FZ, such resources are required to register with special authorities. The number in this register is often called the “RKN number”.
The process of obtaining ARI status and the corresponding number requires submitting a notification to Roskomnadzor. After reviewing the application, the resource is assigned a unique identifier. It is important to understand that this number must be indicated in a special section on the site, often in the footer or on the "About Us" page.
Resource owners should be aware that the law does not make exceptions for small projects if their functionality allows the transmission of messages. However, there are exceptions for corporate sites where communication is limited to internal employees, and for sites where information exchange is technically impossible without the use of third-party services.
⚠️ Attention: Ignoring the requirement to be included in the ARI register is grounds for blocking the resource on the territory of the Russian Federation. Check the functionality of your site: if there are comments, feedback forms or personal accounts, you are potentially subject to this law.
Media registration: digital equivalent of a printed issue
If your website is positioned as a news portal, online magazine or online newspaper, you may need to register as a media outlet. In this case, the “RKN number” is the actual number of the media registration certificate issued by Roskomnadzor.
The process of registering mass media is more complicated and more expensive than simply registering as an ARI. It requires payment of a state fee, provision of constituent documents and compliance with a number of restrictions. However, media status provides legal protection and the right to accreditation for events.
The media certificate number has a strict format that must be indicated on each page of the site. This is usually done in the header or footer of the site. The absence of this number if you have media status is a violation of licensing requirements.
Do I need to register a blog as a media outlet?
Registration of a blog as a media outlet is required only if its traffic exceeds 500 thousand users per day. Owners of such resources are required to independently submit an application to Roskomnadzor.
Register of personal data processing (152-FZ)
Another important aspect is working with personal data. According to Article 22 of Federal Law No. 152-FZ, the personal data operator is obliged to notify Roskomnadzor about the start of data processing. After this, the entry is made in the state register, and the operator receives an extract.
While it's not exactly a "site number," it is a critical identifier for a business. The extract from the register contains the entry number, which may be required during checks or interaction with partners. Many people confuse this number with the site registration number, which is a mistake.
Almost all companies that collect customer data (full name, phone number, email) are subject to notification. Exceptions are cases when data is collected only for the execution of a specific contract with a client and is not transferred to third parties without consent, but in practice Roskomnadzor recommends that everyone be notified.
☑️ Checking compliance with 152-FZ
How to check the availability of a number and the legality of a site
It is important for users and partners to be able to check the legality of a resource. Roskomnadzor provides open registries where you can find information by site name, domain or TIN of the owner. This allows you to make sure that the “RKN number” is valid and the resource is not on the black list.
Verification is carried out through the official portal of the department. You can enter a domain name into the search bar (for example, example.ru) or the name of the organization. The system will display the status: whether the resource is in the register of prohibited sites, whether it has media registration, or whether it is listed as an ORI.
Below is a table of the main registries where you can find the data you are looking for:
| Registry type | What we check | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| ARI registry | Right to communicate | RKN website, ORI section |
| Media Register | Electronic publication status | Register of registered media |
| Register 152-FZ | Processing of personal data | Register of PD operators |
| Register of prohibited | Blockings and restrictions | Register of prohibited sites |
When checking, pay attention to the date the entry was made. If the site has not updated data for a long time or has changed owner, the information in the registry may be out of date, which requires the submission of clarifying documents.
Checking a site through the official registers of Roskomnadzor is the only reliable way to ensure its legal purity before collaborating or purchasing advertising.
Frequent errors and problems when searching for identifiers
The most common mistake is trying to find the registration number of a domain name in the Roskomnadzor databases. Domains are registered by accredited registrars (for example, Ru-Center, Reg.ru), and not directly by the state. RKN does not issue domain numbers; it can only block access to them.
Users also often look for an activity license number. For information sites on the Internet, separate licenses (as for TV or radio) are usually not required, unless the site is engaged in a specific activity (for example, educational or medical), which is licensed by other departments.
Another problem is confusion with OKVED codes. These are economic classifiers that are indicated when registering a legal entity with the tax office, and not with Roskomnadzor. They are not a “RKN number,” although they are important for determining activity codes.
⚠️ Attention: Do not trust third-party services that offer to “issue an RKN number” for money. Registration in Roskomnadzor registers (ORI notification, 152-FZ) is a free procedure that only requires filling out forms and authorization through State Services.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Where exactly on the website should the registration number be located?
Legislation does not always strictly regulate the location, but for ORI and the media there has been a practice of placing it in the “footer” of the site, on the “About the project” or “Contacts” page. The main thing is that the information is publicly available and easily found by the user.
Is it necessary to indicate the RKN number in mobile applications?
Yes, if the mobile application is a media site or ORI, the identification requirements apply to it. Typically, the certificate or registry entry number is indicated in the "About the application" section in the settings or upon first launch.
What to do if the site is not in the registry, but it should be there?
It is necessary to urgently submit a notification to Roskomnadzor through your personal account on the State Services portal or directly on the agency’s website. Delay may lead to fines under Article 13.31 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
Can an individual obtain a media registration number?
Yes, an individual can register a media outlet (for example, an online publication), but in this case he acts as a founder. However, to conduct commercial activities through the media you will still need the status of an individual entrepreneur or a legal entity.
When filling out notification forms to Roskomnadzor, use the current data from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities/Unified State Register of Individual Entrepreneurs. A discrepancy in even one letter of the organization's name can result in refusal of registration.
To summarize, we can say that “RKN number” is a collective concept that covers various types of state registration in the field of IT and media. Proper execution of documents and the availability of up-to-date registry records protects the resource owner from legal risks and ensures user trust.