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In a sustained effort to exert greater control over internet access, state authorities have blocked access to Snapchat and enacted limitations on the Apple video calling service, Apple FaceTime.

Official Reasons for the Restrictions

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor claimed that both applications were utilized to organize and conduct acts of terrorism inside Russia, to enlist people and carry out fraud as well as various crimes against citizens.

Officials said it initiated the block on Snapchat back on the 10th of October, though the decision was publicly disclosed on Thursday.

Broader Context of Internet Control

This recent action come after previous blocks targeting major platforms such as Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. These measures of bans escalated following the 2022 military action of Ukraine by Russia.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, the government have pursued systematic and wide-ranging strategies to curtail the internet. This has included:

• Passing stringent legislation.
• Outlawing websites and platforms that refuse to cooperate with Russian regulations.
• Advancing systems to monitor and manipulate digital communications.

Recent Instances of Blocks

Service for YouTube was disrupted last year in what experts called targeted interference by regulators. The Kremlin blamed Google for allegedly neglecting its infrastructure in Russia.

In recent months, officials tightened online access with widespread shutdowns of mobile internet connections. The government stated this was required to thwart drone strikes, but analysts contended a further measure to assert dominance over the internet.

Action Against Messaging Platforms

Regulators has also moved against popular communication apps. The encrypted app Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were restricted in this year. Furthermore, authorities prohibited calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the ban by saying the services were being facilitating criminal activities.

At the same time, the state have championed a so-called "domestic" messenger app called "Max". Experts regard it as a potential tool for oversight. The platform openly declares it will hand over data with the government if demanded, and analysts note it lacks end-to-end encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Analysis

As explained by lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations views any service where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This label requires that platforms register with the regulator and grant the FSB with access to user accounts. Those failing to do so are in violation and can get blocked.

Seleznev noted that potentially tens of millions of Russians had been using FaceTime, especially after calls were banned on other messaging apps. He described the blocking of the service as "predictable" and warned that other platforms refusing to comply with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – it is inevitable."

Gaming Platforms Too Targeted

As another move, the government also said it was restricting Roblox, claiming it aimed at safeguarding minors from inappropriate material. According to research group Mediascope, the platform was the number two gaming site in Russia last month, with approximately eight million active users.

While it is still possible to get around a few of these limitations by using virtual private network services, those are frequently targeted by officials as well.