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In a ongoing effort to increase oversight over internet access, state regulators have blocked access to Snapchat and placed curbs on Apple's FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Block

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor stated that the two apps were utilized to facilitate and carry out acts of terrorism inside Russia, to recruit perpetrators and carry out fraud and other crimes aimed at the populace.

The regulator reported it enforced the restriction on Snapchat back on the 10th of October, although the decision was only made public more recently.

Broader Campaign of Digital Crackdown

This recent action are part of similar limitations against key apps like Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. These measures of bans began in earnest after the onset of the conflict of Ukraine by Russia.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in systematic and multi-pronged strategies to curtail the internet. Measures have included:

• Passing tough new laws.
• Banning digital platforms that do not comply with Russian regulations.
• Developing technology to monitor and manipulate online traffic.

Other Examples of Crackdowns

Access to the YouTube platform was disrupted last year in what experts called intentional slowing by the authorities. The Kremlin attributed the issue to Google for allegedly neglecting its servers in Russia.

In recent months, officials limited online access with broad disruptions of mobile internet connections. Officials stated this was needed to thwart Ukrainian drone attacks, but analysts contended another step to increase control over the internet.

Action Against Messaging Apps

The government has also targeted widely-used messaging platforms. The encrypted app Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were restricted in this year. Additionally, authorities banned calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, explaining the measure by claiming the services were being involved in criminal activities.

Concurrently, the state have heavily pushed a so-called "domestic" communication platform called Max. Observers view it as a possible tool for oversight. The platform explicitly states it will hand over data with officials upon request, and experts note it is not equipped with end-to-end encryption.

Legal Framework and Expert Commentary

As explained by cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework views any platform where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This designation requires that such services establish a presence with Roskomnadzor and grant Russia's security service with the ability to monitor communications. Those failing to do so are in violation and may be banned.

Seleznev pointed out that potentially a large number of users in Russia had been using FaceTime, especially after restrictions were placed on other messaging apps. He called the blocking of the Apple service as "expected" and cautioned that further services failing to cooperate with Roskomnadzor "are likely to be blocked – that is clear."

Entertainment Platforms Too Affected

In a separate move, the government reported it was restricting the online game platform Roblox, claiming it aimed at protecting children from inappropriate material. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, Roblox was the number two gaming site in Russia last month, with nearly eight million active users.

Although it is still feasible to bypass certain of these restrictions by using VPN services, those are also often blocked by the regulator as well.