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As part of a continued effort to increase oversight over online communications, state regulators have restricted access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on the Apple FaceTime service, FaceTime.

Stated Justifications for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor alleged that the two apps were utilized to organize and conduct terrorist activities within the country, for recruiting individuals and engage in fraudulent activities and other crimes aimed at the populace.

Officials reported it enforced the restriction on Snapchat back on the 10th of October, although the announcement was only made public on Thursday.

Wider Context of Internet Control

This recent action are part of comparable limitations against key apps like Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. The campaign of bans intensified in the wake of the onset of the conflict of Ukraine.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, Russian officials have undertaken systematic and comprehensive initiatives to curtail the digital space. This has included:

• Enacting restrictive laws.
• Blocking digital platforms that fail to comply with Russian regulations.
• Advancing systems to observe and control online traffic.

Recent Instances of Blocks

Access to YouTube was slowed in the past in what experts called targeted interference by the authorities. Russian officials blamed Google for allegedly neglecting its infrastructure in Russia.

Recently, authorities tightened connectivity with widespread disruptions of cellular data connections. The government claimed this was necessary to thwart drone strikes, but critics argued a further measure to increase control over the internet.

Action Against Communication Apps

Authorities has also targeted widely-used communication apps. The encrypted app Signal and another popular app, Viber, were blocked in 2024. Furthermore, authorities banned voice calls on the WhatsApp app and Telegram, explaining the action by stating the platforms were being facilitating criminal activities.

Simultaneously, authorities have actively promoted a so-called "national" messenger app called Max. Experts see it as a possible tool for oversight. The service openly declares it will hand over data with the government when asked, and analysts note it is not equipped with strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Analysis

Per lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations views any service where people can communicate as an "information dissemination organizer".

This label mandates that platforms establish a presence with Roskomnadzor and allow state security with the ability to monitor user data. Platforms that fail to comply are in violation and may be banned.

Seleznev noted that potentially many millions of users in Russia had been relying on FaceTime, particularly after voice calls were prohibited on other messaging apps. He described the blocking of the Apple service as "predictable" and stated that other sites that do not cooperate with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – it is inevitable."

Gaming Sites Too Targeted

In a separate action, the authorities announced it was banning Roblox, citing safeguarding minors from illicit content. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, Roblox was the second most popular gaming site in Russia in October, with nearly 8 million monthly users.

Although it remains feasible to bypass certain of these blocks by employing virtual private network services, those are routinely blocked by authorities as well.