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As part of a ongoing crackdown to increase oversight over internet access, Russian authorities have restricted access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's video calling service, FaceTime.

Official Reasons for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor claimed that these services were being used to facilitate and carry out acts of terrorism on Russian soil, to recruit perpetrators and commit fraud as well as various crimes targeting Russian citizens.

Roskomnadzor reported it enforced the restriction on Snapchat back on the 10th of October, although the announcement was publicly disclosed later.

Broader Context of Digital Crackdown

This recent action are part of previous limitations targeting key apps such as YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. This wave of bans escalated in the wake of the onset of the conflict of Ukraine by Russia.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in deliberate and comprehensive strategies to control the digital space. Measures have included:

• Adopting tough new laws.
• Banning websites and platforms that refuse to cooperate with local rules.
• Developing systems to track and influence digital communications.

Recent Instances of Crackdowns

Access to YouTube was disrupted in the past in a case of intentional slowing by regulators. The Kremlin blamed YouTube's owner, Google for allegedly neglecting its servers in Russia.

In recent months, authorities further restricted internet access with broad disruptions of mobile internet connections. The government insisted this was needed to counter drone strikes, but experts contended a further measure to tighten control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Messaging Apps

The government has also acted against widely-used messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in 2024. This year, authorities outlawed calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the measure by saying the two apps were being facilitating criminal activities.

At the same time, authorities have championed a dubbed "domestic" messenger app called "Max". Critics view it as a potential tool for oversight. The platform openly declares it will hand over data with authorities upon request, and analysts note it lacks strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Commentary

Per lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations classifies any platform where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This classification requires that platforms register with Roskomnadzor and provide Russia's security service with access to communications. Services failing to meet these demands are breaking the law and face blocking.

Seleznev pointed out that perhaps tens of millions of users in Russia had been relying on FaceTime, particularly after restrictions were placed on other messaging apps. He called the blocking of the service as "expected" and stated that further services failing to cooperate with authorities "are likely to be blocked – that's obvious."

Entertainment Platforms Also Targeted

As another move, the government reported it was banning Roblox, stating the reason was child protection from harmful content. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the second-largest gaming site in Russia in October, with nearly eight million players.

Although it is still possible to get around a few of these blocks by utilizing virtual private network services, VPNs themselves are also often blocked by the regulator as well.