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In a continued crackdown to exert greater control over internet access, state authorities have cut off access to Snapchat and placed curbs on the Apple video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Justifications for the Ban

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor stated that both applications were utilized to plan and execute terrorist acts on Russian soil, for recruiting individuals and commit fraud along with other offenses targeting Russian citizens.

The regulator stated it took action targeting Snapchat in early October, even though the announcement was publicly disclosed on Thursday.

Wider Campaign of Internet Control

These new restrictions are part of previous restrictions against popular services including Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. This wave of bans escalated in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Since Vladimir Putin, the government have engaged in systematic and multi-pronged initiatives to rein in the internet. Actions have involved:

• Adopting tough new laws.
• Outlawing digital platforms that refuse to cooperate with state demands.
• Perfecting technology to monitor and manipulate online traffic.

Other Examples of Restrictions

Access to YouTube was throttled last year in an incident described as targeted interference by the authorities. Russian officials attributed the issue to Google for not properly maintaining its servers in Russia.

In recent months, authorities further restricted online access with broad shutdowns of cellphone internet connections. Officials stated this was necessary to prevent drone strikes, but critics argued another step to increase control over the digital landscape.

Targeting Communication Apps

The government has also targeted widely-used communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were banned in recently. Additionally, authorities outlawed voice calls on the WhatsApp app and Telegram, defending the ban by claiming the platforms were being used for illegal activities.

At the same time, authorities have heavily pushed a dubbed "domestic" messenger app called Max. Critics regard it as a potential tool for oversight. The service explicitly states it will provide user information with the government upon request, and experts note it lacks end-to-end encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Commentary

Per cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, Russian law defines any platform where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This label obligates that such services register with Roskomnadzor and grant the FSB with the ability to monitor user data. Those failing to meet these demands are non-compliant and may be banned.

Seleznev pointed out that perhaps a large number of users in Russia had been using FaceTime, especially after calls were banned on other messaging apps. He described the blocking of the service as "expected" and cautioned that other sites refusing to comply with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – that's obvious."

Gaming Sites Too Targeted

In a related development, the government reported it was blocking the online game platform Roblox, claiming it aimed at child protection from harmful content. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the number two gaming site in Russia recently, with approximately 8 million monthly users.

Although it is still feasible to bypass certain of these limitations by utilizing VPN services, those are also often blocked by the regulator as well.