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In a ongoing crackdown to exert greater control over online communications, Russian officials have blocked access to Snapchat and enacted limitations on Apple's video calling service, FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Block

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor alleged that both applications were utilized to organize and conduct terrorist acts inside Russia, to enlist people and engage in fraudulent activities and other crimes against citizens.

Roskomnadzor reported it enforced the restriction targeting Snapchat on October 10, even though the decision was only made public on Thursday.

Broader Campaign of Online Restrictions

These latest moves follow similar restrictions imposed on major platforms such as YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. These measures of censorship began in earnest in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, the government have undertaken systematic and multi-pronged strategies to curtail the internet. Actions have involved:

• Passing tough new laws.
• Blocking online services that refuse to cooperate with Russian regulations.
• Perfecting technology to track and influence online traffic.

Recent Examples of Crackdowns

Service for YouTube was throttled previously in a case of intentional slowing by regulators. The Kremlin blamed Google for failing to maintain its hardware in Russia.

In recent months, officials tightened internet access with extensive shutdowns of mobile internet connections. Officials stated this was necessary to counter drone strikes, but analysts saw it as another step to assert dominance over the digital landscape.

Action Against Communication Apps

The government has also moved against popular messaging platforms. The encrypted app Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were blocked in this year. Additionally, authorities outlawed calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the measure by claiming the services were being involved in criminal activities.

At the same time, the state have actively promoted a dubbed "domestic" communication platform called "Max". Experts view it as a possible tool for oversight. The app explicitly states it will share user data with officials upon request, and analysts note it is not equipped with strong encryption.

Legal Framework and Analyst Commentary

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

This designation obligates that platforms have an account with the regulator and allow Russia's security service with entry to communications. Platforms that fail to do so are non-compliant and face blocking.

Seleznev estimated that possibly a large number of users in Russia had been turning to FaceTime, especially after voice calls were prohibited on WhatsApp and Telegram. He described the blocking of the service as "expected" and warned that further services refusing to comply with authorities "are likely to be blocked – that's obvious."

Gaming Platforms Also Affected

In a related move, the government announced it was restricting Roblox, citing safeguarding minors from inappropriate material. Per data from research group Mediascope, Roblox was the second most popular gaming site in Russia last month, with close to eight million active users.

Although it is still feasible to circumvent some of these limitations by using VPN services, VPNs themselves are routinely blocked by officials as well.