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Amid a continued effort to tighten control over internet access, state regulators have blocked access to the social media app Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Block

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor stated that these services were employed to facilitate and carry out acts of terrorism inside Russia, for recruiting individuals and commit fraud and other crimes against citizens.

Officials reported it initiated the block targeting Snapchat in early October, even though the move was only reported more recently.

Broader Campaign of Internet Control

These new restrictions follow previous blocks imposed on major platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. These measures of censorship intensified in the wake of the onset of the conflict of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, authorities have pursued calculated and comprehensive initiatives to rein in the internet. Actions have involved:

• Adopting stringent legislation.
• Outlawing online services that fail to comply with Russian regulations.
• Developing systems to track and influence online traffic.

Other Examples of Crackdowns

Service for YouTube was disrupted previously in what experts called targeted interference by the authorities. Authorities pointed the finger at YouTube's owner, Google for allegedly neglecting its infrastructure in Russia.

Recently, authorities tightened connectivity with widespread shutdowns of cellular data connections. The government claimed this was required to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks, but critics argued another step to assert dominance over the digital landscape.

Targeting Messaging Platforms

The government has also targeted popular messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in 2024. Additionally, officials outlawed calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, explaining the action by stating the services were being used for illegal activities.

Simultaneously, authorities have heavily pushed a dubbed "national" communication platform called "Max". Observers see it as a possible surveillance tool. The service openly declares it will share user data with the government if demanded, and analysts note it does not use strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Analysis

As explained by lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework views any platform where people can communicate as an "information dissemination organizer".

This designation obligates that platforms establish a presence with Roskomnadzor and grant the FSB with the ability to monitor communications. Those failing to comply are in violation and face blocking.

Seleznev pointed out that perhaps tens of millions of Russians had been using FaceTime, particularly after voice calls were prohibited on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the blocking of the Apple service as "expected" and stated that other platforms refusing to comply with authorities "face blocking – that's obvious."

Entertainment Platforms Also Affected

As another move, the government also said it was restricting the online game platform Roblox, stating the reason was safeguarding minors from harmful content. Per data from research group Mediascope, the platform was the second-largest game platform in Russia in October, with nearly 8 million players.

While it remains possible to circumvent some of these restrictions by employing VPN services, VPNs themselves are routinely blocked by authorities as well.