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In a ongoing campaign to increase oversight over internet access, Russian authorities have cut off access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Official Reasons for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor stated that these services were employed to plan and execute acts of terrorism on Russian soil, to enlist people and commit fraud and other crimes aimed at the populace.

The regulator stated it took action targeting Snapchat back on the 10th of October, though the decision was publicly disclosed later.

Broader Campaign of Internet Control

These latest moves come after comparable blocks against popular services such as YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. This wave of restrictions began in earnest following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, the government have undertaken calculated and wide-ranging strategies to control the internet. Actions have involved:

• Passing restrictive laws.
• Outlawing websites and platforms that refuse to cooperate with state demands.
• Developing systems to observe and control online traffic.

Other Examples of Blocks

Service for YouTube was slowed previously in what experts called intentional slowing by officials. Russian officials blamed Google for not properly maintaining its infrastructure in Russia.

This summer, authorities further restricted internet access with broad shutdowns of cellular data connections. The government insisted this was required to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks, but critics argued another step to increase control over the internet.

Targeting Communication Platforms

Regulators has also moved against popular messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were blocked in this year. Furthermore, authorities outlawed voice calls on the WhatsApp app and Telegram, explaining the ban by stating the two apps were being facilitating illegal activities.

Concurrently, authorities have heavily pushed a so-called "domestic" messenger app called "Max". Observers see it as a potential tool for oversight. The service explicitly states it will hand over data with officials if demanded, and experts note it lacks full encryption.

Legal Framework and Expert Analysis

As explained by lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework views any platform where people can communicate as an "information dissemination organizer".

This classification mandates that such services register with Roskomnadzor and allow Russia's security service with the ability to monitor communications. Services failing to meet these demands are non-compliant and may be banned.

Seleznev pointed out that perhaps many millions of users in Russia had been turning to FaceTime, particularly after voice calls were prohibited on other messaging apps. He described the restrictions against the service as "expected" and cautioned that further services that do not cooperate with authorities "face blocking – it is inevitable."

Entertainment Platforms Too Affected

As another move, the government also said it was blocking Roblox, claiming it aimed at child protection from harmful content. According to media monitoring group Mediascope, the platform was the number two gaming site in Russia last month, with close to eight million players.

While it remains feasible to circumvent some of these limitations by utilizing VPN services, such tools are also often blocked by officials as well.