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In a continued effort to tighten control over internet access, Russian officials have cut off access to Snapchat and enacted limitations on the Apple video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Ban

The regulatory body Roskomnadzor stated that the two apps were utilized to organize and conduct acts of terrorism on Russian soil, for recruiting individuals and engage in fraudulent activities and other crimes aimed at the populace.

Officials said it took action targeting Snapchat on October 10, even though the announcement was publicly disclosed later.

Broader Campaign of Internet Control

These new restrictions follow comparable restrictions against key apps like YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. These measures of censorship began in earnest following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, the government have pursued calculated and comprehensive strategies to control the open internet. This has included:

• Enacting tough new laws.
• Blocking digital platforms that fail to comply with local rules.
• Perfecting systems to track and influence digital communications.

Other Instances of Restrictions

Service for the YouTube platform was throttled previously in what experts called intentional slowing by officials. Russian officials blamed YouTube's owner, Google for failing to maintain its servers in Russia.

In recent months, authorities limited connectivity with broad shutdowns of cellular data connections. Officials claimed this was necessary to prevent drone strikes, but experts contended another step to increase control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Communication Apps

Authorities has also moved against popular communication apps. The encrypted app Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in 2024. Additionally, authorities banned calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, defending the measure by claiming the platforms were being used for crime.

At the same time, the state have actively promoted a so-called "domestic" communication platform called Max. Critics regard it as a potential surveillance tool. The app admits it will provide user information with the government upon request, and analysts note it does not use full encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Commentary

According to cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations defines any platform where users can message as an "information dissemination organizer".

This classification requires that such services establish a presence with the regulator and allow Russia's security service with access to communications. Services failing to do so are in violation and can get blocked.

Seleznev pointed out that potentially tens of millions of users in Russia had been using FaceTime, especially after voice calls were prohibited on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the restrictions against the Apple service as "predictable" and cautioned that further services that do not cooperate with authorities "are likely to be blocked – that is clear."

Entertainment Sites Too Affected

As another move, the authorities also said it was restricting the online game platform Roblox, citing safeguarding minors from inappropriate material. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, Roblox was the second-largest gaming site in Russia last month, with approximately 8 million active users.

Although it is still feasible to circumvent some of these blocks by utilizing VPN services, those are also often blocked by authorities as well.