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Amid a ongoing crackdown to exert greater control over internet access, state officials have cut off access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on the Apple video calling service, FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Block

The regulatory body Roskomnadzor claimed that both applications were being used to plan and execute acts of terrorism on Russian soil, for recruiting individuals and commit fraud and other crimes targeting Russian citizens.

Roskomnadzor stated it took action on Snapchat back on the 10th of October, although the announcement was only reported on Thursday.

Wider Context of Internet Control

This recent action come after similar restrictions against major platforms like Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. The campaign of restrictions escalated in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Since Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in calculated and multi-pronged initiatives to control the open internet. Measures have included:

• Enacting stringent legislation.
• Blocking websites and platforms that do not comply with state demands.
• Perfecting technical capabilities to monitor and manipulate digital communications.

Recent Instances of Restrictions

Service for the YouTube platform was disrupted in the past in an incident described as intentional slowing by the authorities. The Kremlin blamed Google for failing to maintain its hardware in Russia.

In recent months, officials limited internet access with broad disruptions of cellphone internet connections. Officials claimed this was required to counter Ukrainian drone attacks, but analysts argued an additional move to tighten control over the internet.

Action Against Messaging Apps

The government has also acted against popular communication apps. The encrypted app Signal and another popular app, Viber, were restricted in this year. Additionally, authorities banned voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the ban by claiming the services were being involved in crime.

At the same time, authorities have championed a dubbed "domestic" communication platform called "Max". Critics view it as a possible tool for oversight. The service explicitly states it will provide user information with authorities when asked, and analysts note it lacks full encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Analysis

According to lawyer and expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework defines any platform where people can communicate as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This classification requires that such services register with Roskomnadzor and grant Russia's security service with access to user accounts. Services failing to comply are in violation and face blocking.

Seleznev noted that perhaps a large number of users in Russia had been relying on FaceTime, especially after calls were banned on WhatsApp and Telegram. He called the blocking of the Apple service as "predictable" and stated that other sites refusing to comply with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – that's obvious."

Gaming Platforms Also Affected

In a separate development, the authorities reported it was banning Roblox, citing safeguarding minors from harmful content. Per data from research group Mediascope, Roblox was the second-largest gaming site in Russia recently, with approximately eight million active users.

Although it remains possible to get around a few of these blocks by employing virtual private network services, such tools are also often blocked by the regulator as well.