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In a ongoing effort to tighten control over online communications, Russian regulators have cut off access to Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Block

The regulatory body Roskomnadzor stated that the two apps were being used to plan and execute acts of terrorism inside Russia, to recruit perpetrators and commit fraud and other crimes aimed at the populace.

Officials reported it took action on Snapchat back on the 10th of October, though the move was publicly disclosed more recently.

Wider Context of Internet Control

These new restrictions come after comparable blocks targeting key apps including Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. The campaign of restrictions escalated in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, Russian officials have engaged in systematic and wide-ranging efforts to rein in the digital space. Actions have involved:

• Passing tough new laws.
• Outlawing online services that fail to comply with state demands.
• Perfecting systems to monitor and manipulate digital communications.

Recent Instances of Restrictions

Access to the YouTube platform was disrupted last year in an incident described as intentional slowing by the authorities. Russian officials blamed Google for not properly maintaining its servers in Russia.

This summer, officials tightened connectivity with broad disruptions of cellphone internet connections. Officials claimed this was needed to thwart drone strikes, but experts argued an additional move to increase control over the internet.

Targeting Communication Apps

Regulators has also targeted widely-used messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in 2024. Furthermore, officials banned calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the action by stating the two apps were being used for crime.

Simultaneously, the state have actively promoted a dubbed "domestic" communication platform called Max. Critics see it as a potential tool for oversight. The service explicitly states it will provide user information with the government if demanded, and analysts note it is not equipped with end-to-end encryption.

Legal Framework and Expert Analysis

According to 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 establish a presence with Roskomnadzor and grant state security with the ability to monitor user data. Services failing to do so are breaking the law and face blocking.

Seleznev noted that possibly tens of millions of Russians had been turning to FaceTime, particularly after restrictions were placed on other messaging apps. He described the restrictions against the Apple service as "predictable" and cautioned that further services that do not cooperate with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – it is inevitable."

Gaming Platforms Too Affected

As another development, the government also said it was blocking Roblox, stating the reason was protecting children from inappropriate material. Per data from research group Mediascope, the platform was the second-largest gaming site in Russia in October, with nearly 8 million players.

While it is still possible to bypass certain of these limitations by utilizing virtual private network services, VPNs themselves are routinely blocked by the regulator as well.