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As part of a ongoing effort to tighten control over digital platforms, Russian regulators have cut off access to Snapchat and enacted limitations on the Apple FaceTime service, FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Ban

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor claimed that both applications were being used to plan and execute acts of terrorism on Russian soil, for recruiting individuals and engage in fraudulent activities and other crimes against citizens.

The regulator stated it took action targeting Snapchat in early October, although the announcement was publicly disclosed later.

Wider Context of Internet Control

This recent action come after previous restrictions imposed on key apps such as Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. This wave of restrictions escalated in the wake of the 2022 military action of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, the government have engaged in systematic and multi-pronged efforts to curtail the open internet. This has included:

• Passing stringent legislation.
• Blocking digital platforms that do not comply with state demands.
• Perfecting technology to observe and control internet traffic.

Other Examples of Blocks

Access to the YouTube platform was disrupted in the past in what experts called intentional slowing by regulators. The Kremlin attributed the issue to Google for not properly maintaining its servers in Russia.

This summer, authorities further restricted online access with widespread disruptions of mobile internet connections. Officials claimed this was required to thwart drone strikes, but experts saw it as a further measure to increase control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Communication Apps

Authorities has also targeted widely-used communication apps. The encrypted app Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were banned in this year. This year, authorities outlawed calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, defending the measure by saying the two apps were being involved in criminal activities.

Simultaneously, the state have heavily pushed a so-called "domestic" messenger app called Max. Critics see it as a possible monitoring instrument. The app openly declares it will provide user information with authorities upon request, and analysts note it lacks strong encryption.

Legal Framework and Analyst Analysis

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

This label obligates that such services have an account with Roskomnadzor and grant state security with the ability to monitor user accounts. Those failing to comply are breaking the law and can get blocked.

Seleznev pointed out that possibly tens of millions of Russians had been using FaceTime, especially after restrictions were placed on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the restrictions against the Apple service as "expected" and warned that further services that do not cooperate with authorities "face blocking – that is clear."

Gaming Sites Too Targeted

In a separate move, the authorities reported it was blocking the online game platform Roblox, stating the reason was safeguarding minors from illicit content. Per data from research group Mediascope, the platform was the second-largest game platform in Russia in October, with nearly eight million monthly users.

While it remains feasible to get around a few of these blocks by using virtual private network services, such tools are routinely blocked by authorities as well.