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Amid a continued crackdown to increase oversight over internet access, state officials have blocked access to Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Restrictions

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor alleged that the two apps were employed to plan and execute acts of terrorism inside Russia, to recruit perpetrators and engage in fraudulent activities and other crimes against citizens.

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

Wider Context of Digital Crackdown

These new restrictions follow comparable limitations imposed on key apps such as Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. This wave of bans intensified in the wake of the 2022 military action of Ukraine by Russia.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, the government have undertaken systematic and wide-ranging strategies to rein in the open internet. Measures have included:

• Adopting stringent legislation.
• Blocking digital platforms that fail to comply with local rules.
• Advancing technical capabilities to monitor and manipulate online traffic.

Other Examples of Restrictions

Access to YouTube was slowed in the past in a case of targeted interference by the authorities. The Kremlin blamed YouTube's owner, Google for failing to maintain its infrastructure in Russia.

Recently, authorities limited internet access with widespread shutdowns of cellular data connections. Officials insisted this was necessary to counter drone strikes, but experts contended a further measure to increase control over the internet.

Targeting Communication Apps

Authorities has also moved against popular messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in recently. This year, authorities banned voice calls on the WhatsApp app and Telegram, explaining the measure by saying the services were being facilitating crime.

Simultaneously, authorities have actively promoted a dubbed "national" communication platform called "Max". Experts view it as a possible surveillance tool. The app openly declares it will hand over data with the government if demanded, and analysts note it does not use strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Commentary

As explained by lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, Russian law views any service where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This classification obligates that such services establish a presence with Roskomnadzor and provide Russia's security service with entry to communications. Platforms that fail to meet these demands are in violation and can get blocked.

Seleznev pointed out that perhaps many millions of Russians had been turning to FaceTime, especially after restrictions were placed on other messaging apps. He described the restrictions against the service as "predictable" and cautioned that other platforms failing to cooperate with authorities "face blocking – that's obvious."

Gaming Platforms Also Targeted

As another action, the authorities reported it was restricting Roblox, claiming it aimed at child protection from inappropriate material. Per data from research group Mediascope, Roblox was the number two game platform in Russia last month, with approximately eight million monthly users.

While it remains possible to bypass certain of these blocks by using VPN services, VPNs themselves are routinely blocked by the regulator as well.