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In a ongoing crackdown to tighten control over internet access, state authorities have blocked access to Snapchat and placed curbs on Apple's video calling service, FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor stated that the two apps were utilized to plan and execute terrorist activities within the country, for recruiting individuals and engage in fraudulent activities along with other offenses against citizens.

The regulator stated it initiated the block targeting Snapchat back on the 10th of October, even though the announcement was publicly disclosed more recently.

Broader Campaign of Online Restrictions

These latest moves come after previous limitations targeting major platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. The campaign of censorship intensified in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, the government have pursued deliberate and comprehensive strategies to rein in the internet. Actions have involved:

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

Recent Instances of Blocks

Access to the YouTube platform was disrupted previously in what experts called intentional slowing by officials. Russian officials blamed Google for allegedly neglecting its hardware in Russia.

Recently, officials tightened online access with widespread outages of cellular data connections. Officials stated this was required to thwart Ukrainian drone attacks, but critics contended an additional move to increase control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Communication Platforms

Authorities has also moved against widely-used communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were blocked in 2024. Furthermore, officials outlawed calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, explaining the ban by stating the platforms were being facilitating crime.

At the same time, the state have championed a so-called "domestic" messenger app called Max. Critics see it as a possible monitoring instrument. The app openly declares it will provide user information with the government when asked, and analysts note it does not use end-to-end encryption.

Legal Framework and Expert Commentary

According to cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, Russian law views any platform where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This classification obligates that such services establish a presence with the regulator and provide state security with the ability to monitor user accounts. Platforms that fail to do so are in violation and may be banned.

Seleznev noted that potentially tens of millions of users in Russia had been using FaceTime, particularly after voice calls were prohibited on other messaging apps. He called the blocking of the Apple service as "expected" and warned that other platforms that do not cooperate with authorities "will be blocked – it is inevitable."

Gaming Platforms Also Affected

In a separate move, the government also said it was restricting Roblox, stating the reason was safeguarding minors from inappropriate material. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the second-largest gaming site in Russia recently, with close to eight million players.

Although it remains feasible to get around a few of these blocks by utilizing virtual private network services, those are frequently targeted by officials as well.