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In a ongoing campaign to increase oversight over online communications, state regulators have blocked access to Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple video calling service, FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Ban

The regulatory body Roskomnadzor alleged that both applications were utilized to plan and execute terrorist activities within the country, for recruiting individuals and carry out fraud along with other offenses targeting Russian citizens.

The regulator said it initiated the block on Snapchat in early October, even though the announcement was only made public more recently.

Broader Context of Internet Control

These latest moves are part of comparable limitations targeting major platforms including Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. These measures of bans escalated in the wake of the onset of the conflict of Ukraine.

Since Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in systematic and wide-ranging initiatives to rein in the internet. This has included:

• Passing stringent legislation.
• Outlawing websites and platforms that refuse to cooperate with Russian regulations.
• Perfecting systems to observe and control digital communications.

Recent Instances of Crackdowns

Service for YouTube was slowed in the past in an incident described as deliberate throttling by the authorities. Authorities attributed the issue to YouTube's owner, Google for not properly maintaining its infrastructure in Russia.

In recent months, officials further restricted internet access with widespread disruptions of cellular data connections. Officials claimed this was needed to prevent drone strikes, but experts argued an additional move to assert dominance over the internet.

Action Against Messaging Platforms

Regulators has also moved against popular messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in 2024. Additionally, authorities prohibited calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, explaining the measure by claiming the two apps were being involved in criminal activities.

At the same time, authorities have heavily pushed a so-called "national" messenger app called "Max". Critics view it as a possible tool for oversight. The app admits it will hand over data with the government if demanded, and experts note it is not equipped with full encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Commentary

As explained by cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations defines any platform where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This designation requires that such services register with the regulator and grant Russia's security service with entry to user accounts. Platforms that fail to comply are breaking the law and can get blocked.

Seleznev noted that possibly many millions of Russians had been turning to FaceTime, especially after voice calls were prohibited on WhatsApp and Telegram. He called the restrictions against the service as "predictable" and warned that other platforms refusing to comply with Roskomnadzor "will be blocked – that is clear."

Gaming Platforms Too Affected

As another action, the government also said it was banning the online game platform Roblox, stating the reason was protecting children from illicit content. According to media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the number two game platform in Russia in October, with nearly 8 million monthly users.

Although it remains feasible to bypass certain of these limitations by using virtual private network services, VPNs themselves are frequently targeted by authorities as well.