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As part of a ongoing effort to tighten control over internet access, state regulators have blocked access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Restrictions

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor stated that the two apps were being used to organize and conduct terrorist acts inside Russia, to enlist people and engage in fraudulent activities as well as various crimes aimed at the populace.

The regulator reported it took action against Snapchat on October 10, though the move was publicly disclosed on Thursday.

Broader Context of Online Restrictions

These new restrictions follow previous blocks against key apps such as YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. The campaign of censorship escalated following the onset of the conflict of Ukraine.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in systematic and comprehensive efforts to control the internet. Actions have involved:

• Passing restrictive laws.
• Outlawing websites and platforms that refuse to cooperate with state demands.
• Advancing systems to track and influence online traffic.

Other Examples of Crackdowns

Access to YouTube was throttled previously in a case of targeted interference by regulators. The Kremlin blamed Google for failing to maintain its infrastructure in Russia.

This summer, officials tightened connectivity with extensive disruptions of cellular data connections. Officials claimed this was necessary to prevent drone strikes, but analysts contended a further measure to assert dominance over the internet.

Action Against Messaging Platforms

Authorities has also targeted popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were blocked in this year. This year, officials outlawed calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the ban by claiming the services were being facilitating illegal activities.

Concurrently, the state have actively promoted a so-called "domestic" communication platform called Max. Observers regard it as a possible tool for oversight. The platform admits it will share user data with officials if demanded, and experts note it lacks full encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Analysis

As explained by cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations classifies any platform where people can communicate as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This label mandates that such services have an account with the regulator and provide the FSB with the ability to monitor user data. Those failing to comply are breaking the law and can get blocked.

Seleznev pointed out that perhaps many millions of users in Russia had been using FaceTime, especially after voice calls were prohibited on WhatsApp and Telegram. He called the blocking of the service as "predictable" and stated that further services failing to cooperate with authorities "will be blocked – that is clear."

Gaming Sites Also Targeted

As another action, the government reported it was banning Roblox, claiming it aimed at safeguarding minors from inappropriate material. According to media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the number two game platform in Russia last month, with approximately eight million active users.

Although it remains possible to get around a few of these limitations by utilizing virtual private network services, VPNs themselves are frequently targeted by officials as well.