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As part of a ongoing crackdown to tighten control over online communications, Russian authorities have cut off access to the social media app Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's video calling service, FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Ban

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor alleged that both applications were utilized to facilitate and carry out terrorist activities within the country, for recruiting individuals and engage in fraudulent activities as well as various crimes aimed at the populace.

Roskomnadzor said it initiated the block targeting Snapchat in early October, even though the decision was only reported more recently.

Wider Campaign of Digital Crackdown

This recent action follow similar restrictions targeting popular services such as Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. This wave of restrictions intensified in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

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

• Passing tough new laws.
• Blocking digital platforms that fail to comply with state demands.
• Developing technical capabilities to observe and control digital communications.

Recent Instances of Restrictions

Service for the YouTube platform was slowed in the past in an incident described as intentional slowing by officials. Authorities blamed Google for failing to maintain its infrastructure in Russia.

Recently, officials tightened online access with extensive shutdowns of mobile internet connections. The government claimed this was necessary to counter drone strikes, but analysts saw it as a further measure to tighten control over the internet.

Targeting Messaging Apps

Authorities has also acted against popular messaging platforms. The encrypted app Signal and another popular app, Viber, were restricted in this year. This year, authorities banned calls via the WhatsApp app and Telegram, defending the ban by stating the two apps were being used for criminal activities.

Concurrently, authorities have actively promoted a dubbed "domestic" communication platform called "Max". Critics regard it as a potential surveillance tool. The platform openly declares it will hand over data with the government if demanded, and experts note it does not use end-to-end encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Commentary

Per cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework views any service where people can communicate as an "information dissemination organizer".

This classification requires that such services have an account with Roskomnadzor and provide the FSB with access to user data. Those failing to do so are breaking the law and face blocking.

Seleznev noted that perhaps a large number of Russians had been relying on FaceTime, particularly after calls were banned on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the blocking of the service as "predictable" and cautioned that further services failing to cooperate with authorities "are likely to be blocked – that is clear."

Entertainment Platforms Also Affected

In a related development, the authorities also said it was banning the online game platform Roblox, claiming it aimed at child protection from inappropriate material. According to media monitoring group Mediascope, Roblox was the number two game platform in Russia recently, with approximately 8 million players.

Although it is still feasible to circumvent some of these restrictions by utilizing virtual private network services, those are frequently targeted by authorities as well.