The aim of this study is to identify achieved successes, existing gaps and possible prospects of implementing the principle of transparency by Russian universities. It was focused upon the information transparency of educational activities from the perspective of legal requirements and interests of applicants and university students. The analysis of the implementation of the principle of transparency of Russian universities is conducted in this article by the reflection of information on the activities of the institution of higher education on the website and related network services. Here are revealed the typical shortcomings of universities to work with sites and generalized directions to develop this activity.