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As part of a ongoing effort to exert greater control over internet access, Russian regulators have cut off access to the social media app Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple FaceTime service, FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor stated that these services were being used to plan and execute acts of terrorism inside Russia, to recruit perpetrators and commit fraud and other crimes aimed at the populace.

Officials reported it enforced the restriction targeting Snapchat in early October, though the announcement was publicly disclosed more recently.

Wider Campaign of Digital Crackdown

This recent action are part of comparable limitations against key apps such as Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. The campaign of censorship began in earnest following the 2022 military action of Ukraine.

Since Vladimir Putin, the government have pursued systematic and comprehensive efforts to curtail the digital space. Actions have involved:

• Enacting tough new laws.
• Outlawing websites and platforms that do not comply with local rules.
• Perfecting technical capabilities to observe and control internet traffic.

Recent Examples of Restrictions

Service for the YouTube platform was slowed in the past in a case of deliberate throttling by the authorities. The Kremlin attributed the issue to YouTube's owner, Google for failing to maintain its infrastructure in Russia.

In recent months, authorities further restricted online access with broad disruptions of mobile internet connections. The government insisted this was necessary to prevent drone strikes, but experts argued a further measure to increase control over the internet.

Targeting Communication Platforms

The government has also acted against popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were restricted in recently. Additionally, authorities prohibited calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, explaining the measure by claiming the platforms were being used for crime.

Simultaneously, authorities have championed a so-called "domestic" messenger app called "Max". Observers see it as a possible monitoring instrument. The service openly declares it will provide user information with the government upon request, and experts note it lacks full encryption.

Legal Framework and Analyst Analysis

Per lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework defines any platform where people can communicate as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This designation mandates that such services register with Roskomnadzor and allow Russia's security service with entry to user data. Those failing to comply are non-compliant and face blocking.

Seleznev pointed out that possibly tens of millions of users in Russia had been using FaceTime, especially after voice calls were prohibited on other messaging apps. He described the restrictions against the service as "expected" and stated that further services refusing to comply with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – that's obvious."

Gaming Sites Also Targeted

In a separate action, the authorities announced it was restricting Roblox, claiming it aimed at protecting children from inappropriate material. According to media monitoring group Mediascope, Roblox was the second-largest game platform in Russia last month, with approximately eight million monthly users.

While it remains feasible to get around a few of these limitations by using virtual private network services, VPNs themselves are frequently targeted by authorities as well.