🔗 Share this article

As part of a sustained effort to tighten control over internet access, state authorities have cut off access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Justifications for the Ban

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor stated that these services were being used to facilitate and carry out terrorist activities within the country, for recruiting individuals and commit fraud along with other offenses targeting Russian citizens.

Roskomnadzor said it took action against Snapchat back on the 10th of October, although the move was only made public later.

Broader Campaign of Digital Crackdown

This recent action follow similar restrictions targeting popular services like Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. These measures of bans began in earnest following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in deliberate and wide-ranging initiatives to rein in the digital space. Actions have involved:

• Passing tough new laws.
• Blocking digital platforms that do not comply with local rules.
• Advancing technical capabilities to track and influence internet traffic.

Recent Instances of Blocks

Service for the YouTube platform was disrupted in the past in what experts called intentional slowing by regulators. Russian officials blamed Google for failing to maintain its servers in Russia.

Recently, officials tightened connectivity with widespread disruptions of mobile internet connections. The government insisted this was needed to thwart Ukrainian drone attacks, but experts saw it as another step to increase control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Messaging Platforms

Authorities has also moved against popular communication apps. The encrypted app Signal and another popular app, Viber, were restricted in 2024. Furthermore, officials banned calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the measure by claiming the platforms were being facilitating illegal activities.

Simultaneously, authorities have actively promoted a so-called "national" communication platform called Max. Critics see it as a potential tool for oversight. The service explicitly states it will hand over data with officials if demanded, and experts note it lacks strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Analysis

Per lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework views any service where users can message as an "information dissemination organizer".

This label obligates that platforms establish a presence with the regulator and grant the FSB with the ability to monitor user accounts. Those failing to do so are in violation and face blocking.

Seleznev noted that possibly a large number of Russians had been using FaceTime, especially after voice calls were prohibited on WhatsApp and Telegram. He called the restrictions against the Apple service as "expected" and warned that further services that do not cooperate with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – that's obvious."

Entertainment Sites Too Affected

As another development, the authorities reported it was blocking the online game platform Roblox, citing safeguarding minors from harmful content. According to research group Mediascope, Roblox was the number two gaming site in Russia in October, with approximately eight million players.

While it remains feasible to get around a few of these restrictions by using virtual private network services, those are frequently targeted by the regulator as well.