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In a ongoing campaign to increase oversight over internet access, Russian regulators have blocked access to the social media app Snapchat and imposed restrictions on the Apple video calling service, FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Restrictions

The regulatory body Roskomnadzor stated that both applications were being used to plan and execute acts of terrorism within the country, for recruiting individuals and carry out fraud and other crimes against citizens.

Roskomnadzor reported it initiated the block targeting Snapchat on October 10, even though the decision was publicly disclosed on Thursday.

Wider Campaign of Digital Crackdown

These new restrictions are part of comparable blocks against popular services like YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. The campaign of restrictions escalated after the 2022 military action of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, the government have undertaken calculated and multi-pronged initiatives to control the open internet. This has included:

• Passing tough new laws.
• Blocking websites and platforms that fail to comply with local rules.
• Perfecting technology to monitor and manipulate digital communications.

Recent Examples of Restrictions

Service for YouTube was disrupted previously in a case of intentional slowing by the authorities. Russian officials attributed the issue to YouTube's owner, Google for allegedly neglecting its hardware in Russia.

This summer, officials limited online access with widespread shutdowns of cellphone internet connections. Officials stated this was required to thwart drone strikes, but critics argued a further measure to increase control over the internet.

Targeting Messaging Platforms

Authorities has also acted against popular messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in 2024. Additionally, officials banned voice calls on the WhatsApp app and Telegram, defending the ban by saying the platforms were being involved in crime.

At the same time, the state have actively promoted a so-called "domestic" messenger app called Max. Observers view it as a potential tool for oversight. The service explicitly states it will hand over data with officials if demanded, and analysts note it is not equipped with strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Analysis

As explained by lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations defines any platform where people can communicate as an "information dissemination organizer".

This classification mandates that such services have an account with the regulator and grant Russia's security service with the ability to monitor user data. Services failing to comply are non-compliant and face blocking.

Seleznev noted that possibly a large number of Russians had been relying on FaceTime, particularly after calls were banned on other messaging apps. He described the restrictions against the Apple service as "expected" and warned that other sites refusing to comply with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – that is clear."

Gaming Platforms Too Affected

As another development, the government reported it was banning Roblox, claiming it aimed at safeguarding minors from harmful content. According to research group Mediascope, the platform was the number two gaming site in Russia recently, with close to 8 million players.

While it is still feasible to circumvent some of these restrictions by employing VPN services, VPNs themselves are frequently targeted by the regulator as well.