Russia Blocks Snapchat and Limits Apple's FaceTime, Regulators Report
In a continued effort to increase oversight over online communications, Russian officials have restricted access to the social media app Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple video calling service, FaceTime.
Official Reasons for the Block
The regulatory body Roskomnadzor claimed that these services were utilized to plan and execute terrorist activities within the country, for recruiting individuals and carry out fraud along with other offenses targeting Russian citizens.
The regulator stated it initiated the block against Snapchat on October 10, though the move was only made public later.
Wider Context of Internet Control
These latest moves follow comparable limitations imposed on key apps like Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. These measures of bans began in earnest following the 2022 military action of Ukraine by Russia.
Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in systematic and multi-pronged initiatives to curtail the digital space. Actions have involved:
- Adopting restrictive laws.
- Blocking online services that do not comply with Russian regulations.
- Perfecting technical capabilities to observe and control online traffic.
Recent Examples of Crackdowns
Service for YouTube was throttled in the past in an incident described as targeted interference by officials. Authorities attributed the issue to Google for failing to maintain its servers in Russia.
Recently, officials further restricted internet access with extensive disruptions of mobile internet connections. The government stated this was required to counter drone strikes, but experts argued an additional move to tighten control over the internet.
Targeting Messaging Platforms
Authorities has also targeted popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were restricted in this year. Additionally, officials banned calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, defending the action by stating the platforms were being involved in criminal activities.
Simultaneously, authorities have heavily pushed a dubbed "domestic" messenger app called "Max". Experts view it as a potential tool for oversight. The service admits it will hand over data with the government when asked, and analysts note it does not use full encryption.
Legal Framework and Analyst Analysis
Per lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations views any platform where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".
This label requires that such services have an account with Roskomnadzor and allow state security with access to communications. Services failing to comply are in violation and can get blocked.
Seleznev estimated that perhaps many millions of users in Russia had been turning to FaceTime, especially after voice calls were prohibited on other messaging apps. He described the blocking of the Apple service as "expected" and cautioned that other sites that do not cooperate with Roskomnadzor "will be blocked – it is inevitable."
Gaming Sites Too Affected
In a related move, the government reported it was banning Roblox, citing safeguarding minors from inappropriate material. Per data from research group Mediascope, the platform was the number two gaming site in Russia recently, with nearly eight million monthly users.
Although it remains feasible to bypass certain of these blocks by using VPN services, those are frequently targeted by authorities as well.
