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As part of a continued crackdown to increase oversight over digital platforms, state authorities have cut off access to Snapchat and placed curbs on Apple's video calling service, FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor claimed that these services were utilized to organize and conduct terrorist acts within the country, for recruiting individuals and carry out fraud as well as various crimes against citizens.

The regulator reported it initiated the block on Snapchat back on the 10th of October, although the announcement was publicly disclosed on Thursday.

Wider Context of Digital Crackdown

This recent action are part of previous limitations imposed on major platforms like Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. This wave of censorship intensified following the 2022 military action of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, Russian officials have engaged in systematic and wide-ranging efforts to control the internet. Actions have involved:

• Enacting tough new laws.
• Blocking online services that do not comply with local rules.
• Perfecting technical capabilities to monitor and manipulate online traffic.

Other Instances of Crackdowns

Access to YouTube was disrupted in the past in a case of targeted interference by officials. The Kremlin pointed the finger at YouTube's owner, Google for allegedly neglecting its hardware in Russia.

This summer, officials further restricted internet access with broad shutdowns of mobile internet connections. Officials insisted this was required to thwart Ukrainian drone attacks, but analysts saw it as another step to assert dominance over the digital landscape.

Targeting Communication Platforms

Regulators has also moved against widely-used messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were banned in 2024. This year, authorities prohibited calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, explaining the measure by claiming the platforms were being involved in crime.

Concurrently, authorities have heavily pushed a dubbed "domestic" communication platform called "Max". Critics regard it as a potential monitoring instrument. The app explicitly states it will hand over data with authorities when asked, and experts note it is not equipped with full encryption.

Legal Framework and Expert Commentary

Per lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations classifies any service where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This classification mandates that platforms establish a presence with Roskomnadzor and grant Russia's security service with access to communications. Those failing to do so are breaking the law and can get blocked.

Seleznev pointed out that perhaps tens of millions of Russians had been turning to FaceTime, especially after restrictions were placed on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the blocking of the Apple service as "expected" and stated that further services that do not cooperate with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – it is inevitable."

Entertainment Platforms Too Targeted

As another development, the government announced it was blocking the online game platform Roblox, citing protecting children from illicit content. According to research group Mediascope, the platform was the number two gaming site in Russia last month, with close to eight million players.

Although it is still possible to bypass certain of these blocks by using virtual private network services, such tools are routinely blocked by officials as well.