🔗 Share this article

As part of a ongoing crackdown to increase oversight over online communications, Russian authorities have blocked access to the social media app Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Ban

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor stated that both applications were employed to organize and conduct terrorist activities on Russian soil, for recruiting individuals and carry out fraud as well as various crimes targeting Russian citizens.

Roskomnadzor stated it took action on Snapchat back on the 10th of October, even though the decision was publicly disclosed on Thursday.

Broader Campaign of Digital Crackdown

These latest moves come after comparable limitations targeting major platforms including YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. This wave of bans began in earnest following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, the government have pursued calculated and comprehensive strategies to curtail the internet. Actions have involved:

• Passing tough new laws.
• Banning online services that fail to comply with Russian regulations.
• Advancing technology to track and influence digital communications.

Recent Examples of Blocks

Service for YouTube was disrupted last year in an incident described as intentional slowing by the authorities. Russian officials pointed the finger at YouTube's owner, Google for allegedly neglecting its servers in Russia.

This summer, authorities tightened online access with broad shutdowns of cellular data connections. Officials insisted this was required to thwart drone strikes, but experts argued another step to tighten control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Communication Platforms

The government has also acted against popular communication apps. The encrypted app Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were blocked in recently. Furthermore, officials prohibited voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the measure by saying the platforms were being involved in criminal activities.

At the same time, the state have actively promoted a dubbed "domestic" messenger app called "Max". Observers regard it as a potential surveillance tool. The service openly declares it will share user data with authorities upon request, and experts note it is not equipped with strong encryption.

Legal Framework and Analyst Commentary

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

This designation requires that platforms register with Roskomnadzor and allow state security with access to user accounts. Services failing to comply are non-compliant and may be banned.

Seleznev estimated that perhaps tens of millions of users in Russia had been turning to FaceTime, particularly after calls were banned on WhatsApp and Telegram. He called the restrictions against the service as "predictable" and warned that other platforms that do not cooperate with authorities "are likely to be blocked – that is clear."

Gaming Platforms Also Affected

As another move, the authorities reported it was banning Roblox, stating the reason was safeguarding minors from inappropriate material. According to research group Mediascope, the platform was the number two gaming site in Russia last month, with approximately 8 million active users.

While it is still possible to bypass certain of these blocks by using virtual private network services, such tools are also often blocked by authorities as well.