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In a ongoing effort to increase oversight over internet access, Russian officials have blocked access to the social media app Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Block

The regulatory body Roskomnadzor claimed that these services were employed to plan and execute terrorist activities within the country, to enlist people and commit fraud as well as various crimes against citizens.

Officials stated it took action targeting Snapchat on October 10, even though the announcement was only reported later.

Wider Campaign of Internet Control

These new restrictions come after comparable limitations against major platforms like Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. These measures of bans intensified in the wake of the 2022 military action of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, Russian officials have pursued deliberate and comprehensive initiatives to curtail the internet. Actions have involved:

• Adopting tough new laws.
• Outlawing digital platforms that do not comply with state demands.
• Developing systems to track and influence internet traffic.

Recent Instances of Crackdowns

Access to YouTube was slowed previously in what experts called deliberate throttling by the authorities. Russian officials blamed YouTube's owner, Google for failing to maintain its infrastructure in Russia.

Recently, authorities limited internet access with widespread disruptions of cellular data connections. Officials claimed this was necessary to thwart drone strikes, but analysts contended a further measure to increase control over the internet.

Targeting Messaging Apps

The government has also acted against popular communication apps. The encrypted app Signal and another popular app, Viber, were restricted in recently. This year, authorities prohibited calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, explaining the ban by stating the services were being used for illegal activities.

At the same time, authorities have championed a dubbed "national" messenger app called "Max". Experts view it as a possible surveillance tool. The platform admits it will provide user information with authorities if demanded, and analysts note it is not equipped with end-to-end encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Commentary

As explained by cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, Russian law classifies any platform where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This classification requires that platforms have an account with Roskomnadzor and provide Russia's security service with the ability to monitor user data. Those failing to do so are in violation and face blocking.

Seleznev noted that potentially a large number of Russians had been using FaceTime, particularly after restrictions were placed on other messaging apps. He called the restrictions against the service as "expected" and cautioned that further services failing to cooperate with authorities "face blocking – that is clear."

Gaming Platforms Also Targeted

In a related action, the government also said it was blocking the online game platform Roblox, claiming it aimed at child protection from inappropriate material. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the second most popular game platform in Russia in October, with approximately eight million players.

Although it is still possible to circumvent some of these restrictions by using virtual private network services, those are also often blocked by officials as well.