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In a ongoing campaign to tighten control over online communications, state regulators have cut off access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on the Apple video calling service, FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Ban

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor alleged that both applications were employed to plan and execute acts of terrorism inside Russia, to enlist people and engage in fraudulent activities along with other offenses aimed at the populace.

Roskomnadzor reported it took action on Snapchat on October 10, though the move was only made public on Thursday.

Wider Context of Internet Control

These new restrictions come after similar limitations targeting key apps such as Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. These measures of restrictions escalated following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Since Vladimir Putin, Russian officials have engaged in deliberate and multi-pronged efforts to control the open internet. Measures have included:

• Adopting restrictive laws.
• Outlawing websites and platforms that do not comply with local rules.
• Advancing systems to track and influence digital communications.

Other Instances of Blocks

Service for the YouTube platform was throttled previously in an incident described as intentional slowing by the authorities. Russian officials pointed the finger at Google for failing to maintain its servers in Russia.

Recently, authorities tightened online access with widespread shutdowns of cellular data connections. Officials insisted this was needed to counter drone strikes, but critics argued a further measure to assert dominance over the digital landscape.

Action Against Communication Platforms

Regulators has also acted against popular messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were blocked in 2024. Additionally, officials banned calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, defending the measure by saying the services were being facilitating crime.

Simultaneously, authorities have heavily pushed a dubbed "domestic" communication platform called Max. Critics regard it as a possible surveillance tool. The app explicitly states it will provide user information with authorities upon request, and experts note it is not equipped with strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Commentary

As explained by cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, Russian law defines any service where people can communicate as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This classification mandates that such services register with the regulator and provide Russia's security service with entry to communications. Services failing to meet these demands are in violation and may be banned.

Seleznev pointed out that possibly many millions of users in Russia had been using FaceTime, particularly after voice calls were prohibited on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the blocking of the service as "predictable" and cautioned that other platforms that do not cooperate with authorities "are likely to be blocked – that's obvious."

Gaming Sites Too Targeted

In a separate development, the authorities announced it was banning Roblox, stating the reason was protecting children from harmful content. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, Roblox was the second most popular gaming site in Russia recently, with approximately eight million monthly users.

Although it remains possible to bypass certain of these restrictions by utilizing virtual private network services, such tools are routinely blocked by officials as well.