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As part of a continued crackdown to tighten control over online communications, Russian regulators have restricted access to Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple video calling service, FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Block

The regulatory body Roskomnadzor claimed that these services were utilized to organize and conduct terrorist activities inside Russia, to recruit perpetrators and carry out fraud along with other offenses aimed at the populace.

Roskomnadzor reported it took action on Snapchat on October 10, although the decision was publicly disclosed later.

Broader Campaign of Digital Crackdown

This recent action come after comparable restrictions against major platforms such as YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. This wave of censorship escalated after the 2022 military action of Ukraine by Russia.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, Russian officials have undertaken systematic and multi-pronged strategies to rein in the open internet. Actions have involved:

• Enacting tough new laws.
• Blocking websites and platforms that fail to comply with state demands.
• Developing technical capabilities to track and influence online traffic.

Other Examples of Crackdowns

Access to the YouTube platform was slowed last year in a case of deliberate throttling by officials. The Kremlin pointed the finger at YouTube's owner, Google for allegedly neglecting its hardware in Russia.

Recently, authorities limited internet access with broad disruptions of cellular data connections. Officials insisted this was necessary to thwart drone strikes, but experts saw it as an additional move to assert dominance over the internet.

Action Against Messaging Platforms

Authorities has also moved against popular messaging platforms. The encrypted app Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were restricted in this year. Furthermore, authorities prohibited calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, explaining the measure by claiming the platforms were being involved in illegal activities.

Simultaneously, authorities have actively promoted a so-called "domestic" communication platform called "Max". Experts regard it as a possible surveillance tool. The app explicitly states it will provide user information with the government if demanded, and experts note it does not use end-to-end encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Commentary

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

This label requires that platforms establish a presence with the regulator and allow Russia's security service with entry to communications. Platforms that fail to do so are in violation and may be banned.

Seleznev noted that perhaps tens of millions of users in Russia had been relying on FaceTime, particularly after restrictions were placed on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the blocking of the service as "expected" and cautioned that other platforms refusing to comply with authorities "are likely to be blocked – it is inevitable."

Entertainment Sites Too Targeted

In a separate move, the authorities reported it was banning Roblox, stating the reason was child protection from harmful content. Per data from research group Mediascope, Roblox was the second most popular gaming site in Russia last month, with approximately eight million monthly users.

Although it is still possible to bypass certain of these limitations by utilizing virtual private network services, such tools are frequently targeted by the regulator as well.