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In a ongoing effort to exert greater control over digital platforms, Russian officials have blocked access to the social media app Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Official Justifications for the Ban

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor stated that the two apps were being used to plan and execute terrorist activities inside Russia, for recruiting individuals and carry out fraud along with other offenses targeting Russian citizens.

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

Wider Context of Digital Crackdown

This recent action follow previous limitations imposed on major platforms such as YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. The campaign of restrictions escalated in the wake of the 2022 military action of Ukraine.

Since Vladimir Putin, authorities have undertaken calculated and wide-ranging strategies to control the digital space. Actions have involved:

• Passing restrictive laws.
• Banning online services that do not comply with local rules.
• Developing technical capabilities to observe and control internet traffic.

Other Examples of Crackdowns

Service for the YouTube platform was throttled in the past in a case of intentional slowing by regulators. Authorities attributed the issue to YouTube's owner, Google for failing to maintain its infrastructure in Russia.

Recently, officials further restricted connectivity with widespread shutdowns of cellular data connections. Officials stated this was needed to prevent drone strikes, but critics argued a further measure to increase control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Communication Platforms

The government has also targeted popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in this year. Additionally, authorities outlawed voice calls on the WhatsApp app and Telegram, explaining the ban by claiming the two apps were being facilitating crime.

At the same time, the state have actively promoted a dubbed "domestic" messenger app called Max. Observers regard it as a possible monitoring instrument. The platform openly declares it will hand over data with officials upon request, and analysts note it is not equipped with strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Analysis

As explained by cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, Russian law classifies any service where users can message as an "information dissemination organizer".

This classification mandates that such services establish a presence with the regulator and provide the FSB with access to communications. Services failing to comply are breaking the law and can get blocked.

Seleznev pointed out that potentially a large number of Russians had been relying on FaceTime, particularly after calls were banned on other messaging apps. He described the restrictions against the service as "expected" and stated that other platforms refusing to comply with Roskomnadzor "are likely to be blocked – that is clear."

Entertainment Platforms Also Affected

In a related development, the authorities announced it was restricting the online game platform Roblox, citing safeguarding minors from inappropriate material. According to media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the second most popular gaming site in Russia recently, with approximately eight million players.

Although it remains possible to circumvent some of these restrictions by utilizing VPN services, such tools are frequently targeted by authorities as well.