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In a ongoing crackdown to exert greater control over digital platforms, state authorities have cut off access to the social media app Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Block

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor alleged that the two apps were being used to facilitate and carry out terrorist activities within the country, to recruit perpetrators and commit fraud as well as various crimes aimed at the populace.

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

Broader Campaign of Digital Crackdown

These latest moves come after previous limitations imposed on major platforms such as Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. This wave of censorship began in earnest in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Since Vladimir Putin, Russian officials have pursued deliberate and comprehensive initiatives to rein in the digital space. This has included:

• Passing tough new laws.
• Banning online services that fail to comply with local rules.
• Perfecting technology to observe and control internet traffic.

Other Instances of Restrictions

Access to YouTube was slowed previously in what experts called intentional slowing by the authorities. Russian officials pointed the finger at YouTube's owner, Google for allegedly neglecting its servers in Russia.

Recently, officials further restricted internet access with extensive disruptions of cellphone internet connections. The government stated this was needed to thwart drone strikes, but critics contended an additional move to increase control over the digital landscape.

Targeting Communication Platforms

Regulators has also moved against popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in 2024. Additionally, officials prohibited voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, explaining the ban by saying the platforms were being used for criminal activities.

Concurrently, authorities have heavily pushed a dubbed "domestic" messenger app called Max. Critics see it as a possible monitoring instrument. The app explicitly states it will share user data with the government if demanded, and experts note it is not equipped with end-to-end encryption.

Legal Framework and Expert Analysis

As explained by lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations classifies any platform where people can communicate as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This designation requires that platforms have an account with the regulator and grant state security with the ability to monitor user accounts. Platforms that fail to comply are non-compliant and face blocking.

Seleznev estimated that potentially many millions of Russians had been using FaceTime, especially after restrictions were placed on other messaging apps. He described the blocking of the Apple service as "predictable" and cautioned that other platforms that do not cooperate with Roskomnadzor "are likely to be blocked – it is inevitable."

Entertainment Platforms Too Affected

In a separate move, the authorities announced it was banning the online game platform Roblox, citing safeguarding minors from harmful content. According to research group Mediascope, the platform was the second most popular game platform in Russia last month, with close to 8 million monthly users.

Although it remains feasible to get around a few of these restrictions by employing virtual private network services, VPNs themselves are routinely blocked by authorities as well.