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As part of a ongoing effort to tighten control over online communications, state authorities have restricted access to Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple video calling service, FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Ban

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor alleged that both applications were being used to facilitate and carry out acts of terrorism inside Russia, to enlist people and carry out fraud along with other offenses against citizens.

The regulator reported it initiated the block targeting Snapchat in early October, though the decision was only made public on Thursday.

Broader Context of Digital Crackdown

These latest moves follow previous limitations against key apps such as YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. These measures of restrictions began in earnest after the onset of the conflict of Ukraine.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, authorities have undertaken systematic and comprehensive efforts to rein in the digital space. Actions have involved:

• Enacting stringent legislation.
• Banning online services that fail to comply with state demands.
• Advancing technology to track and influence online traffic.

Recent Examples of Blocks

Service for YouTube was disrupted last year in what experts called intentional slowing by the authorities. The Kremlin blamed YouTube's owner, Google for failing to maintain its infrastructure in Russia.

This summer, authorities tightened online access with broad outages of mobile internet connections. The government insisted this was necessary to counter Ukrainian drone attacks, but experts contended an additional move to tighten control over the digital landscape.

Targeting Messaging Apps

The government has also moved against popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were blocked in 2024. Furthermore, officials outlawed voice calls on the WhatsApp app and Telegram, defending the measure by claiming the platforms were being facilitating illegal activities.

Simultaneously, the state have actively promoted a so-called "domestic" messenger app called "Max". Experts regard it as a potential surveillance tool. The app openly declares it will provide user information with officials when asked, and analysts note it is not equipped with strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Analysis

As explained by lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations classifies any platform where people can communicate as an "information dissemination organizer".

This label mandates that platforms establish a presence with the regulator and grant state security with entry to communications. Platforms that fail to do so are non-compliant and face blocking.

Seleznev pointed out that perhaps a large number of users in Russia had been turning to FaceTime, especially after restrictions were placed on other messaging apps. He called the blocking of the Apple service as "expected" and cautioned that further services that do not cooperate with authorities "face blocking – that's obvious."

Entertainment Platforms Also Targeted

In a related action, the authorities also said it was blocking the online game platform Roblox, stating the reason was child protection from inappropriate material. According to research group Mediascope, the platform was the second-largest game platform in Russia last month, with close to eight million active users.

Although it remains possible to circumvent some of these restrictions by employing VPN services, such tools are routinely blocked by authorities as well.