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As part of a continued crackdown to tighten control over digital platforms, state authorities have blocked access to Snapchat and placed curbs on Apple's FaceTime service, FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Block

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor stated that both applications were being used to plan and execute terrorist acts on Russian soil, to recruit perpetrators and engage in fraudulent activities and other crimes against citizens.

Officials said it took action targeting Snapchat in early October, even though the announcement was only made public later.

Wider Context of Digital Crackdown

These new restrictions follow comparable limitations targeting popular services including Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. This wave of bans intensified after the onset of the conflict of Ukraine by Russia.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, the government have engaged in deliberate and multi-pronged strategies to rein in the internet. Actions have involved:

• Enacting tough new laws.
• Blocking digital platforms that do not comply with local rules.
• Advancing technical capabilities to track and influence online traffic.

Other Examples of Restrictions

Access to the YouTube platform was disrupted 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.

This summer, authorities tightened internet access with widespread disruptions of cellular data connections. Officials claimed this was required to counter Ukrainian drone attacks, but analysts contended another step to tighten control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Messaging Apps

Regulators has also moved against widely-used communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were blocked in this year. This year, officials banned voice calls on the WhatsApp app and Telegram, justifying the action by stating the two apps were being used for illegal activities.

Simultaneously, the state have heavily pushed a so-called "national" communication platform called "Max". Critics regard it as a possible tool for oversight. The platform explicitly states it will share user data with the government upon request, and experts note it is not equipped with strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Commentary

As explained by lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework classifies any platform where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This label requires that such services have an account with Roskomnadzor and allow Russia's security service with access to user data. Platforms that fail to do so are in violation and can get blocked.

Seleznev pointed out that possibly tens of millions of users in Russia had been relying on FaceTime, especially after calls were banned on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the restrictions against the service as "predictable" and stated that other platforms refusing to comply with Roskomnadzor "are likely to be blocked – it is inevitable."

Entertainment Sites Also Targeted

As another action, the authorities announced it was banning Roblox, claiming it aimed at protecting children from inappropriate material. According to research group Mediascope, the platform was the number two game platform in Russia recently, with nearly eight million players.

While it remains possible to get around a few of these restrictions by employing virtual private network services, such tools are frequently targeted by the regulator as well.