Russian Authorities Bans Snapchat and Limits Apple's FaceTime, Regulators Announce

Amid a continued crackdown to tighten control over internet access, state regulators have blocked access to the social media app Snapchat and enacted limitations on the Apple video calling service, FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Restrictions

The regulatory body Roskomnadzor stated that these services were employed to facilitate and carry out terrorist acts on Russian soil, to enlist people and engage in fraudulent activities along with other offenses targeting Russian citizens.

Officials said it took action against Snapchat on October 10, even though the decision was only reported later.

Broader Context of Online Restrictions

These latest moves follow similar restrictions targeting major platforms including Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. This wave of restrictions began in earnest after the onset of the conflict of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, the government have engaged in systematic and multi-pronged efforts to curtail the digital space. Measures have included:

• Enacting tough new laws.
• Banning websites and platforms that fail to comply with Russian regulations.
• Perfecting technology to monitor and manipulate online traffic.

Recent Examples of Crackdowns

Access to YouTube was disrupted previously in a case of targeted interference by the authorities. Russian officials attributed the issue to YouTube's owner, Google for not properly maintaining its servers in Russia.

Recently, officials further restricted internet access with broad disruptions of cellphone internet connections. Officials insisted this was required to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks, but analysts argued a further measure to tighten control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Messaging Platforms

Regulators has also moved against popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in this year. This year, officials banned calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, justifying the action by saying the services were being used for illegal activities.

At the same time, authorities have actively promoted a dubbed "domestic" communication platform called "Max". Observers regard it as a possible monitoring instrument. The app admits it will provide user information with officials when asked, and experts note it is not equipped with end-to-end encryption.

Legal Framework and Expert Commentary

Per lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations views any platform where people can communicate as an "information dissemination organizer".

This classification mandates that such services register with Roskomnadzor and allow the FSB with entry to user data. Those failing to meet these demands are breaking the law and can get blocked.

Seleznev estimated that potentially tens of millions of Russians had been using FaceTime, particularly after calls were banned on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the restrictions against the Apple service as "predictable" and cautioned that other sites refusing to comply with authorities "will be blocked – that is clear."

Gaming Sites Too Affected

In a separate action, the authorities also said it was banning Roblox, claiming it aimed at protecting children from inappropriate material. According to research group Mediascope, Roblox was the number two gaming site in Russia in October, with nearly eight million players.

While it remains possible to get around a few of these limitations by utilizing VPN services, those are routinely blocked by officials as well.