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In a ongoing crackdown to tighten control over internet access, state authorities have restricted access to Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Justifications for the Restrictions

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor stated that the two apps were being used to organize and conduct acts of terrorism within the country, for recruiting individuals and carry out fraud and other crimes against citizens.

Roskomnadzor stated it enforced the restriction against Snapchat back on the 10th of October, though the announcement was publicly disclosed more recently.

Wider Campaign of Internet Control

These new restrictions are part of previous restrictions imposed on key apps like YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. The campaign of restrictions began in earnest after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, Russian officials have engaged in systematic and multi-pronged initiatives to control the internet. Measures have included:

• Passing restrictive laws.
• Outlawing websites and platforms that do not comply with local rules.
• Advancing technology to monitor and manipulate internet traffic.

Recent Instances of Restrictions

Service for the YouTube platform was throttled in the past in what experts called deliberate throttling by regulators. The Kremlin blamed YouTube's owner, Google for allegedly neglecting its hardware in Russia.

This summer, officials tightened online access with extensive disruptions of cellphone internet connections. Officials claimed this was required to thwart Ukrainian drone attacks, but analysts argued another step to increase control over the digital landscape.

Targeting Messaging Platforms

Authorities has also acted against widely-used communication apps. The encrypted app Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were blocked in this year. This year, authorities banned calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, explaining the measure by saying the platforms were being involved in illegal activities.

Concurrently, authorities have actively promoted a dubbed "national" messenger app called "Max". Critics regard it as a possible monitoring instrument. The platform openly declares it will provide user information with authorities when asked, and experts note it lacks strong encryption.

Legal Framework and Expert Commentary

According to cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework defines any platform where users can message as an "information dissemination organizer".

This label mandates that such services register with the regulator and allow the FSB with access to user accounts. Platforms that fail to do so are in violation and face blocking.

Seleznev pointed out that possibly tens of millions of Russians had been using FaceTime, particularly after calls were banned on other messaging apps. He described the blocking of the service as "expected" and warned that further services refusing to comply with authorities "face blocking – it is inevitable."

Gaming Platforms Too Affected

In a related development, the government reported it was banning the online game platform Roblox, citing child protection from illicit content. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the number two gaming site in Russia in October, with close to 8 million active users.

Although it remains feasible to circumvent some of these blocks by using virtual private network services, those are routinely blocked by officials as well.