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As part of a sustained campaign to exert greater control over internet access, Russian authorities have cut off access to the social media app Snapchat and imposed restrictions on the Apple FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Ban

The regulatory body Roskomnadzor claimed that both applications were being used to organize and conduct acts of terrorism within the country, to enlist people and engage in fraudulent activities as well as various crimes targeting Russian citizens.

Officials stated it initiated the block against Snapchat in early October, though the announcement was publicly disclosed on Thursday.

Broader Campaign of Digital Crackdown

This recent action follow similar limitations against popular services including Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. The campaign of bans began in earnest in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, the government have engaged in systematic and wide-ranging efforts to rein in the open internet. Actions have involved:

• Adopting stringent legislation.
• Blocking digital platforms that do not comply with state demands.
• Perfecting technical capabilities to monitor and manipulate digital communications.

Other Instances of Crackdowns

Service for YouTube was slowed last year in a case of intentional slowing by regulators. Authorities blamed YouTube's owner, Google for not properly maintaining its infrastructure in Russia.

Recently, officials limited internet access with extensive disruptions of cellphone internet connections. The government insisted this was necessary to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks, but critics contended an additional move to tighten control over the internet.

Targeting Communication Platforms

Regulators has also targeted widely-used communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were restricted in 2024. This year, officials banned calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, explaining the action by stating the services were being used for illegal activities.

At the same time, authorities have actively promoted a so-called "domestic" communication platform called "Max". Observers view it as a potential monitoring instrument. The app openly declares it will provide user information with authorities upon request, and analysts note it is not equipped with full encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Commentary

As explained by cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, Russian law defines any service where people can communicate as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This designation requires that platforms register with Roskomnadzor and grant Russia's security service with entry to user data. Those failing to do so are breaking the law and may be banned.

Seleznev estimated that perhaps tens of millions of Russians had been relying on FaceTime, particularly after calls were banned on other messaging apps. He described the restrictions against the service as "predictable" and stated that further services refusing to comply with authorities "face blocking – it is inevitable."

Gaming Sites Too Targeted

As another move, the authorities announced it was banning Roblox, claiming it aimed at child protection from illicit content. According to research group Mediascope, Roblox was the second-largest gaming site in Russia recently, with nearly eight million monthly users.

While it remains possible to circumvent some of these blocks by using virtual private network services, such tools are routinely blocked by officials as well.