🔗 Share this article

Amid a ongoing crackdown to exert greater control over digital platforms, Russian regulators have blocked access to Snapchat and enacted limitations on the Apple video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Justifications for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor alleged that both applications were utilized to facilitate and carry out terrorist activities inside Russia, to enlist people and carry out fraud and other crimes against citizens.

The regulator reported it took action against Snapchat in early October, even though the decision was only made public more recently.

Broader Campaign of Digital Crackdown

These new restrictions come after previous restrictions targeting major platforms including Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. This wave of bans intensified following the 2022 military action of Ukraine.

Since Vladimir Putin, Russian officials have engaged in systematic and comprehensive efforts to control the open internet. Actions have involved:

• Enacting tough new laws.
• Banning online services that refuse to cooperate with local rules.
• Advancing technical capabilities to track and influence internet traffic.

Other Examples of Restrictions

Service for YouTube was throttled last year in what experts called targeted interference by officials. Russian officials blamed YouTube's owner, Google for failing to maintain its infrastructure in Russia.

Recently, authorities further restricted online access with broad disruptions of cellular data connections. Officials stated this was needed to thwart drone strikes, but critics saw it as a further measure to tighten control over the digital landscape.

Targeting Messaging Apps

Regulators has also acted against popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were restricted in this year. This year, officials outlawed calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the measure by saying the two apps were being used for criminal activities.

At the same time, authorities have heavily pushed a dubbed "national" messenger app called "Max". Experts see it as a possible surveillance tool. The platform openly declares it will provide user information with the government if demanded, and experts note it lacks strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Commentary

According to cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, Russian law defines any platform where people can communicate as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This designation obligates that platforms register with the regulator and allow state security with entry to communications. Platforms that fail to comply are in violation and can get blocked.

Seleznev estimated that possibly a large number of Russians had been turning to FaceTime, especially after restrictions were placed on other messaging apps. He described the blocking of the Apple service as "expected" and warned that other sites failing to cooperate with Roskomnadzor "are likely to be blocked – that is clear."

Gaming Platforms Too Affected

In a related action, the authorities reported it was banning the online game platform Roblox, stating the reason was child protection from harmful content. Per data from research group Mediascope, the platform was the number two gaming site in Russia recently, with close to 8 million active users.

While it remains feasible to circumvent some of these restrictions by utilizing VPN services, those are routinely blocked by authorities as well.