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Amid a continued crackdown to increase oversight over online communications, Russian officials have restricted access to Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Official Reasons for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor claimed that the two apps were utilized to organize and conduct terrorist acts within the country, for recruiting individuals and commit fraud as well as various crimes targeting Russian citizens.

Roskomnadzor stated it took action targeting Snapchat on October 10, though the move was only made public more recently.

Wider Context of Internet Control

These new restrictions are part of previous limitations imposed on key apps such as Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. These measures of censorship escalated after the onset of the conflict of Ukraine by Russia.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, the government have undertaken systematic and comprehensive strategies to curtail the open internet. Measures have included:

• Passing tough new laws.
• Outlawing digital platforms that do not comply with Russian regulations.
• Developing technology to track and influence digital communications.

Recent Instances of Restrictions

Access to the YouTube platform was disrupted previously in what experts called deliberate throttling by the authorities. The Kremlin blamed YouTube's owner, Google for allegedly neglecting its servers in Russia.

In recent months, authorities further restricted connectivity with widespread disruptions of cellular data connections. The government claimed this was necessary to counter drone strikes, but analysts saw it as a further measure to increase control over the digital landscape.

Targeting Communication Apps

The government has also acted against widely-used communication apps. The encrypted app Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were restricted in 2024. Furthermore, officials prohibited voice calls on the WhatsApp app and Telegram, defending the measure by claiming the services were being used for criminal activities.

At the same time, the state have heavily pushed a dubbed "domestic" messenger app called "Max". Critics view it as a possible tool for oversight. The platform explicitly states it will share user data with the government when asked, and experts note it does not use strong encryption.

Legal Framework and Expert Commentary

As explained by lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations defines any service where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This classification requires that platforms have an account with Roskomnadzor and provide the FSB with entry to user accounts. Those failing to comply are in violation and can get blocked.

Seleznev estimated that perhaps many millions of users in Russia had been turning to FaceTime, especially after calls were banned on other messaging apps. He called the blocking of the service as "expected" and stated that other sites that do not cooperate with Roskomnadzor "are likely to be blocked – that's obvious."

Gaming Sites Also Targeted

In a related development, the government also said it was banning Roblox, citing child protection from illicit content. According to research group Mediascope, Roblox was the second-largest gaming site in Russia last month, with nearly eight million monthly users.

While it is still possible to get around a few of these blocks by employing virtual private network services, those are also often blocked by the regulator as well.