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In a sustained campaign to exert greater control over online communications, Russian officials have blocked access to Snapchat and placed curbs on Apple's video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Stated Justifications for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor stated that these services were being used to plan and execute terrorist activities within the country, to recruit perpetrators and engage in fraudulent activities and other crimes aimed at the populace.

The regulator said it initiated the block on Snapchat in early October, though the announcement was publicly disclosed later.

Wider Campaign of Digital Crackdown

These latest moves follow comparable limitations against popular services including Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. This wave of restrictions began in earnest after the onset of the conflict of Ukraine by Russia.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in systematic and comprehensive efforts to curtail the internet. Actions have involved:

• Passing restrictive laws.
• Blocking online services that fail to comply with state demands.
• Developing systems to monitor and manipulate digital communications.

Recent Instances of Crackdowns

Access to YouTube was disrupted in the past in an incident described as targeted interference by officials. The Kremlin pointed the finger at Google for not properly maintaining its infrastructure in Russia.

This summer, authorities further restricted internet access with extensive disruptions of mobile internet connections. Officials insisted this was needed to counter drone strikes, but experts argued an additional move to increase control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Communication Platforms

Authorities has also acted against popular messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were banned in this year. Additionally, authorities prohibited calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the ban by stating the services were being involved in crime.

At the same time, authorities have championed a dubbed "national" messenger app called Max. Critics see it as a possible monitoring instrument. The service admits it will provide user information with the government when asked, and experts note it is not equipped with full encryption.

Legal Framework and Analyst Commentary

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

This label obligates that platforms have an account with the regulator and provide state security with entry to communications. Platforms that fail to meet these demands are breaking the law and may be banned.

Seleznev pointed out that perhaps many millions of Russians had been using FaceTime, especially after restrictions were placed on other messaging apps. He called the restrictions against the Apple service as "expected" and warned that other platforms refusing to comply with authorities "are likely to be blocked – it is inevitable."

Gaming Platforms Also Affected

As another move, the government reported it was banning Roblox, claiming it aimed at child protection from illicit content. According to media monitoring group Mediascope, Roblox was the second most popular gaming site in Russia in October, with nearly 8 million monthly users.

Although it is still possible to bypass certain of these blocks by using VPN services, those are routinely blocked by authorities as well.