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As part of a ongoing effort to tighten control over internet access, Russian regulators have restricted access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on the Apple video calling service, FaceTime.

Stated Justifications for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor stated that both applications were employed to plan and execute acts of terrorism within the country, to enlist people and carry out fraud and other crimes aimed at the populace.

Roskomnadzor said it took action targeting Snapchat back on the 10th of October, even though the decision was only reported more recently.

Broader Campaign of Internet Control

These latest moves come after previous blocks targeting key apps including YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. The campaign of bans began in earnest after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, the government have pursued deliberate and wide-ranging efforts to control the digital space. Actions have involved:

• Passing tough new laws.
• Outlawing digital platforms that fail to comply with Russian regulations.
• Perfecting systems to observe and control digital communications.

Recent Examples of Restrictions

Access to the YouTube platform was disrupted in the past in what experts called intentional slowing by officials. The Kremlin pointed the finger at YouTube's owner, Google for not properly maintaining its servers in Russia.

Recently, officials further restricted connectivity with extensive disruptions of cellphone internet connections. Officials stated this was necessary to counter Ukrainian drone attacks, but analysts contended another step to increase control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Messaging Apps

Regulators has also moved against popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were restricted in recently. This year, officials outlawed voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the action by saying the two apps were being involved in criminal activities.

Simultaneously, the state have actively promoted a so-called "national" messenger app called "Max". Critics view it as a possible tool for oversight. The app admits it will hand over data with officials when asked, and analysts note it does not use end-to-end encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Analysis

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

This designation requires that such services register with the regulator and allow the FSB with the ability to monitor user accounts. Services failing to meet these demands are in violation and can get blocked.

Seleznev estimated that perhaps many millions of users in Russia had been turning to FaceTime, especially after restrictions were placed on other messaging apps. He described the restrictions against the service as "expected" and cautioned that further services failing to cooperate with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – that is clear."

Gaming Sites Too Affected

In a separate move, the authorities also said it was banning Roblox, stating the reason was child protection from illicit content. According to media monitoring group Mediascope, Roblox was the second most popular game platform in Russia last month, with approximately eight million monthly users.

While it remains feasible to get around a few of these blocks by using VPN services, those are also often blocked by officials as well.