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In a ongoing crackdown to tighten control over digital platforms, state authorities have blocked access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on the Apple video calling service, FaceTime.

Stated Justifications for the Block

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor claimed that both applications were being used to plan and execute terrorist acts inside Russia, for recruiting individuals and engage in fraudulent activities as well as various crimes targeting Russian citizens.

The regulator reported it initiated the block targeting Snapchat back on the 10th of October, even though the decision was only reported more recently.

Broader Campaign of Internet Control

These latest moves are part of comparable restrictions targeting key apps such as Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. These measures of censorship escalated in the wake of the 2022 military action of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, authorities have pursued systematic and comprehensive strategies to curtail the internet. This has included:

• Passing restrictive laws.
• Outlawing online services that fail to comply with Russian regulations.
• Developing technical capabilities to track and influence online traffic.

Recent Instances of Restrictions

Access to YouTube was throttled previously in an incident described as targeted interference by regulators. Authorities attributed the issue to Google for allegedly neglecting its servers in Russia.

This summer, officials limited internet access with extensive shutdowns of mobile internet connections. The government insisted this was required to counter Ukrainian drone attacks, but critics argued a further measure to assert dominance over the internet.

Action Against Messaging Apps

Regulators has also acted against widely-used messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were banned in 2024. This year, officials prohibited calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, defending the action by claiming the services were being involved in crime.

At the same time, the state have championed a so-called "domestic" messenger app called Max. Observers regard it as a potential tool for oversight. The service openly declares it will provide user information with officials when asked, and analysts note it is not equipped with end-to-end encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Analysis

Per lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations defines any platform where people can communicate as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This label requires that platforms establish a presence with Roskomnadzor and grant the FSB with entry to communications. Platforms that fail to comply are in violation and may be banned.

Seleznev noted that possibly many millions of users in Russia had been relying on FaceTime, particularly after voice calls were prohibited on other messaging apps. He called the blocking of the Apple service as "expected" and cautioned that further services refusing to comply with authorities "face blocking – it is inevitable."

Gaming Platforms Too Targeted

As another action, the government reported it was restricting Roblox, claiming it aimed at safeguarding minors from harmful content. According to research group Mediascope, the platform was the second most popular game platform in Russia in October, with approximately eight million active users.

Although it remains feasible to circumvent some of these limitations by utilizing VPN services, those are routinely blocked by the regulator as well.