In a ongoing crackdown to exert greater control over digital platforms, Russian authorities have restricted access to the social media app Snapchat and enacted limitations on the Apple FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.
Stated Reasons for the Block
The regulatory body Roskomnadzor alleged that both applications were being used to plan and execute terrorist activities within the country, to recruit perpetrators and commit fraud along with other offenses aimed at the populace.
Roskomnadzor stated it enforced the restriction targeting Snapchat back on the 10th of October, even though the announcement was only reported later.
Broader Context of Digital Crackdown
This recent action follow similar blocks targeting key apps including YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. This wave of censorship began in earnest after the onset of the conflict of Ukraine.
During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, the government have undertaken systematic and wide-ranging initiatives to curtail the digital space. Actions have involved:
- Passing stringent legislation.
- Outlawing online services that do not comply with local rules.
- Advancing technology to track and influence internet traffic.
Other Examples of Crackdowns
Service for YouTube was throttled in the past in a case of targeted interference by regulators. Authorities blamed Google for not properly maintaining its infrastructure in Russia.
In recent months, authorities further restricted connectivity with widespread disruptions of mobile internet connections. Officials claimed this was required to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks, but experts contended a further measure to tighten control over the digital landscape.
Action Against Communication Apps
The government has also acted against widely-used communication apps. The encrypted app Signal and another popular app, Viber, were restricted in this year. This year, authorities banned calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the ban by saying the services were being used for criminal activities.
Simultaneously, authorities have actively promoted a so-called "national" messenger app called Max. Critics see it as a possible surveillance tool. The platform openly declares it will provide user information with officials upon request, and analysts note it does not use strong encryption.
Regulatory Basis and Analyst Commentary
According to cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations classifies any platform where people can communicate as an "organizer of dissemination of information".
This label obligates that such services have an account with Roskomnadzor and provide Russia's security service with access to communications. Platforms that fail to meet these demands are non-compliant and can get blocked.
Seleznev estimated that perhaps a large number of Russians had been using FaceTime, particularly after restrictions were placed on WhatsApp and Telegram. He called the restrictions against the service as "expected" and stated that other sites failing to cooperate with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – it is inevitable."
Gaming Sites Too Affected
In a related action, the authorities also said it was blocking the online game platform Roblox, citing safeguarding minors from harmful content. Per data from media monitoring group Mediascope, Roblox was the number two gaming site in Russia in October, with close to 8 million monthly users.
Although it remains possible to get around a few of these limitations by employing virtual private network services, such tools are also often blocked by the regulator as well.
