Russian Authorities Blocks Snapchat and Cracks Down on Apple's FaceTime, State Media Announce

As part of a sustained crackdown to exert greater control over online communications, state officials have blocked access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor claimed that both applications were utilized to organize and conduct acts of terrorism within the country, to recruit perpetrators and carry out fraud and other crimes targeting Russian citizens.

Roskomnadzor reported it took action against Snapchat on October 10, though the decision was only made public more recently.

Wider Campaign of Internet Control

These new restrictions are part of similar restrictions targeting major platforms like Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. These measures of bans began in earnest following the onset of the conflict of Ukraine by Russia.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in calculated and comprehensive strategies to curtail the open internet. Measures have included:

• Adopting tough new laws.
• Outlawing websites and platforms that refuse to cooperate with Russian regulations.
• Advancing technical capabilities to monitor and manipulate digital communications.

Other Examples of Restrictions

Service for the YouTube platform was throttled in the past in an incident described as targeted interference by officials. The Kremlin blamed YouTube's owner, Google for not properly maintaining its infrastructure in Russia.

In recent months, authorities further restricted online access with broad shutdowns of mobile internet connections. Officials stated this was required to thwart drone strikes, but analysts contended an additional move to assert dominance over the digital landscape.

Targeting Communication Apps

Regulators has also moved against widely-used messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were banned in this year. Furthermore, authorities prohibited calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, defending the action by stating the two apps were being used for crime.

Simultaneously, authorities have championed a so-called "domestic" communication platform called "Max". Experts view it as a possible tool for oversight. The platform admits it will hand over data with authorities upon request, and analysts note it lacks end-to-end encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Analysis

As explained by cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations classifies any service where users can message as an "information dissemination organizer".

This label obligates that platforms have an account with Roskomnadzor and grant state security with access to communications. Those failing to comply are breaking the law and can get blocked.

Seleznev noted that possibly many millions of Russians had been using FaceTime, especially after voice calls were prohibited on other messaging apps. He called the restrictions against the service as "expected" and warned that other platforms failing to cooperate with authorities "face blocking – that's obvious."

Gaming Platforms Too Targeted

In a separate development, the authorities also said it was banning Roblox, citing child protection from harmful content. According to media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the second most popular gaming site in Russia last month, with nearly 8 million monthly users.

Although it remains feasible to circumvent some of these blocks by using virtual private network services, those are routinely blocked by officials as well.