🔗 Share this article

Amid a continued crackdown to increase oversight over online communications, Russian regulators have restricted access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor stated that the two apps were employed to plan and execute terrorist activities on Russian soil, to enlist people and engage in fraudulent activities as well as various crimes against citizens.

The regulator stated it took action targeting Snapchat on October 10, though the move was only made public later.

Wider Context of Digital Crackdown

This recent action are part of previous limitations against popular services including Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. The campaign of bans escalated in the wake of the 2022 military action of Ukraine by Russia.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, authorities have pursued systematic and wide-ranging efforts to rein in the digital space. Actions have involved:

• Enacting tough new laws.
• Outlawing digital platforms that do not comply with state demands.
• Advancing technology to track and influence online traffic.

Recent Instances of Crackdowns

Service for the YouTube platform was throttled last year in a case of targeted interference by the authorities. Authorities attributed the issue to Google for failing to maintain its hardware in Russia.

In recent months, officials limited connectivity with extensive disruptions of mobile internet connections. The government insisted this was necessary to prevent drone strikes, but analysts argued another step to tighten control over the internet.

Targeting Messaging Platforms

Regulators has also acted against popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were blocked in this year. Furthermore, authorities banned calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, justifying the measure by claiming the platforms were being facilitating illegal activities.

Simultaneously, authorities have heavily pushed a so-called "domestic" communication platform called "Max". Critics regard it as a potential monitoring instrument. The service explicitly states it will hand over data with authorities upon request, and analysts note it is not equipped with strong encryption.

Legal Framework and Expert Analysis

According to cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations views any service where people can communicate as an "information dissemination organizer".

This designation requires that platforms establish a presence with Roskomnadzor and grant Russia's security service with entry to user data. Platforms that fail to meet these demands are in violation and can get blocked.

Seleznev estimated that possibly many millions of users in Russia had been using FaceTime, particularly after restrictions were placed on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the restrictions against the service as "expected" and stated that other sites refusing to comply with authorities "will be blocked – it is inevitable."

Entertainment Platforms Too Targeted

As another action, the authorities reported it was blocking Roblox, claiming it aimed at protecting children from harmful content. According to media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the number two game platform in Russia in October, with approximately eight million monthly users.

Although it is still feasible to circumvent some of these restrictions by utilizing virtual private network services, such tools are routinely blocked by officials as well.