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In a continued campaign to exert greater control over internet access, Russian officials have cut off access to the social media app Snapchat and imposed restrictions on the Apple FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Restrictions

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor stated that these services were utilized to facilitate and carry out terrorist activities inside Russia, to enlist people and engage in fraudulent activities along with other offenses targeting Russian citizens.

Officials said it enforced the restriction on Snapchat in early October, although the announcement was only made public on Thursday.

Wider Campaign of Online Restrictions

This recent action come after similar blocks against popular services like Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. The campaign of censorship escalated following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, the government have engaged in deliberate and comprehensive efforts to curtail the internet. Actions have involved:

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

Recent Instances of Crackdowns

Access to YouTube was throttled in the past in an incident described as intentional slowing by regulators. Authorities pointed the finger at Google for failing to maintain its servers in Russia.

This summer, officials limited connectivity with broad shutdowns of cellphone internet connections. Officials claimed this was needed to prevent drone strikes, but critics saw it as a further measure to increase control over the digital landscape.

Targeting Communication Platforms

The government has also moved against popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in recently. This year, officials outlawed voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, explaining the action by claiming the two apps were being involved in criminal activities.

Simultaneously, authorities have championed a dubbed "domestic" messenger app called "Max". Critics regard it as a possible surveillance tool. The platform openly declares it will hand over data with officials if demanded, and analysts note it is not equipped with full encryption.

Legal Framework and Analyst Analysis

As explained by cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework classifies any platform where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This label requires that such services establish a presence with Roskomnadzor and grant Russia's security service with entry to user data. Those failing to do so are breaking the law and can get blocked.

Seleznev noted that potentially a large number of users in Russia had been turning to FaceTime, especially after calls were banned on other messaging apps. He described the restrictions against the service as "expected" and warned that other platforms that do not cooperate with authorities "are likely to be blocked – that's obvious."

Gaming Sites Too Targeted

In a related action, the authorities also said it was blocking Roblox, claiming it aimed at child protection from illicit content. According to media monitoring group Mediascope, Roblox was the second-largest game platform in Russia in October, with approximately eight million monthly users.

Although it remains feasible to bypass certain of these blocks by utilizing virtual private network services, such tools are routinely blocked by officials as well.