Post by : Rameen Ariff

Russian authorities have announced restrictions on Apple’s video calling service FaceTime and the messaging app Snapchat, marking the latest move in Moscow’s ongoing effort to control internet access and online communications. The state internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, claimed that both services were being “used to organize and conduct terrorist activities, recruit perpetrators, commit fraud, and carry out other crimes against citizens.” Apple did not respond to requests for comment.

Roskomnadzor confirmed that Snapchat had already been blocked on October 10, although the action was only publicly reported on Thursday. This is part of a wider pattern of internet restrictions under President Vladimir Putin, with authorities adopting laws to regulate online platforms, blocking non-compliant websites, and developing technology to monitor and control internet traffic.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, major social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have been blocked in the country. Internet access in Russia has also been disrupted by deliberate throttling and regional shutdowns, often justified by authorities as security measures to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks, though experts argue these moves are aimed at tightening online control. Virtual private networks (VPNs), often used to bypass such restrictions, are routinely blocked as well.

Messaging platforms have been a particular focus of Russian authorities. The encrypted apps Signal and Viber were blocked in 2024, followed by WhatsApp and Telegram in 2025. Roskomnadzor cited criminal activity as the reason for these bans. At the same time, the government has promoted its own “national” messenger, MAX, which allows users to send messages, access government services, and make payments. Critics say MAX acts as a surveillance tool, sharing user data with authorities and lacking end-to-end encryption.

Earlier this week, Russian officials also blocked Roblox, a widely used online gaming platform, citing concerns about inappropriate content and risks to children from predatory behavior in the game’s chats. Roblox had been the country’s second most popular gaming platform in October, with nearly eight million monthly users.

Cybersecurity expert Stanislav Seleznev, a lawyer with the Net Freedom rights group, explained that Russian law classifies any platform where users can communicate as an “organizer of dissemination of information.” Platforms must register with Roskomnadzor and allow Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) access to user accounts for monitoring. Failure to comply can result in being blocked, a rule likely applied to both Roblox and FaceTime.

Seleznev added that tens of millions of Russians may have relied on FaceTime after calls were banned on WhatsApp and Telegram, describing the government’s latest restrictions as “predictable” and warning that other non-compliant platforms could face similar action.

The recent blocks highlight Russia’s increasingly tight grip over online communications, leaving many citizens with limited access to global messaging and video calling services. Analysts suggest these measures are part of a long-term strategy to control information flow and maintain government oversight of digital platforms across the country.

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