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Amid a sustained crackdown to tighten control over internet access, Russian officials have cut off access to the social media app Snapchat and enacted limitations on Apple's video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor alleged that both applications were being used to organize and conduct terrorist acts inside Russia, for recruiting individuals and carry out fraud along with other offenses aimed at the populace.

The regulator said it enforced the restriction targeting Snapchat on October 10, although the decision was only reported later.

Broader Context of Online Restrictions

This recent action are part of previous limitations targeting key apps like Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. The campaign of censorship escalated following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, the government have undertaken deliberate and comprehensive efforts to control the digital space. Actions have involved:

• Adopting stringent legislation.
• Banning websites and platforms that do not comply with local rules.
• Developing technical capabilities to track and influence online traffic.

Recent Examples of Restrictions

Access to the YouTube platform was slowed in the past in what experts called targeted interference by regulators. The Kremlin attributed the issue to YouTube's owner, Google for allegedly neglecting its infrastructure in Russia.

In recent months, authorities further restricted connectivity with extensive disruptions of cellphone internet connections. The government claimed this was required to thwart drone strikes, but critics saw it as a further measure to increase control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Messaging Platforms

The government has also moved against widely-used messaging platforms. The encrypted app Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were blocked in 2024. Additionally, authorities prohibited voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the action by saying the services were being facilitating criminal activities.

Concurrently, the state have championed a dubbed "national" messenger app called "Max". Observers regard it as a possible tool for oversight. The app explicitly states it will share user data with authorities if demanded, and experts note it does not use strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Commentary

As explained by lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework classifies any service where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This designation obligates that platforms establish a presence with the regulator and grant state security with access to communications. Those failing to do so are non-compliant and face blocking.

Seleznev noted that perhaps many millions of users in Russia had been using FaceTime, especially after voice calls were prohibited on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the blocking of the service as "expected" and warned that other sites that do not cooperate with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – that's obvious."

Entertainment Platforms Too Targeted

As another action, the authorities also said it was blocking Roblox, stating the reason was safeguarding minors from illicit content. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the second-largest gaming site in Russia in October, with approximately eight million monthly users.

Although it remains feasible to bypass certain of these blocks by utilizing VPN services, those are routinely blocked by officials as well.