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Amid a sustained campaign to increase oversight over internet access, Russian authorities have restricted access to Snapchat and enacted limitations on the Apple FaceTime service, FaceTime.

Official Reasons for the Block

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor alleged that both applications were utilized to organize and conduct terrorist acts inside Russia, to enlist people and carry out fraud along with other offenses aimed at the populace.

The regulator stated it initiated the block targeting Snapchat on October 10, though the decision was publicly disclosed on Thursday.

Wider Context of Internet Control

These latest moves follow comparable restrictions against popular services including Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. The campaign of censorship began in earnest following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in deliberate and multi-pronged initiatives to control the internet. This has included:

• Passing stringent legislation.
• Blocking digital platforms that refuse to cooperate with Russian regulations.
• Advancing technical capabilities to track and influence online traffic.

Recent Instances of Blocks

Access to YouTube was slowed in the past in what experts called intentional slowing by the authorities. Authorities pointed the finger at YouTube's owner, Google for failing to maintain its hardware in Russia.

In recent months, authorities tightened online access with broad shutdowns of cellular data connections. The government claimed this was required to counter drone strikes, but analysts contended an additional move to increase control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Messaging Platforms

Regulators has also targeted popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were blocked in 2024. This year, authorities prohibited calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, explaining the ban by stating the services were being facilitating crime.

Simultaneously, authorities have championed a dubbed "domestic" communication platform called "Max". Experts see it as a possible tool for oversight. The service explicitly states it will hand over data with the government if demanded, and analysts note it lacks end-to-end encryption.

Legal Framework and Expert Commentary

According to cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations classifies any platform where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This classification mandates that platforms have an account with the regulator and grant the FSB with entry to user data. Services failing to meet these demands are in violation and face blocking.

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

Gaming Sites Too Affected

As another move, the authorities announced it was blocking the online game platform Roblox, claiming it aimed at safeguarding minors from harmful content. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the second-largest gaming site in Russia recently, with close to eight million players.

While it is still possible to circumvent some of these restrictions by utilizing VPN services, those are also often blocked by the regulator as well.