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As part of a ongoing crackdown to tighten control over internet access, Russian authorities have cut off access to the social media app Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's FaceTime service, Apple FaceTime.

Official Reasons for the Block

Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor stated that the two apps were utilized to plan and execute terrorist acts within the country, to recruit perpetrators and carry out fraud as well as various crimes aimed at the populace.

Officials said it enforced the restriction targeting Snapchat in early October, even though the announcement was only made public later.

Broader Context of Internet Control

This recent action follow similar limitations targeting key apps such as Google's YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. These measures of bans began in earnest following the onset of the conflict of Ukraine.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, authorities have undertaken calculated and multi-pronged efforts to curtail the digital space. Actions have involved:

• Passing restrictive laws.
• Blocking websites and platforms that fail to comply with Russian regulations.
• Perfecting systems to observe and control online traffic.

Other Examples of Crackdowns

Access to YouTube was throttled previously in what experts called targeted interference by regulators. Authorities blamed Google for allegedly neglecting its hardware in Russia.

In recent months, officials limited connectivity with widespread disruptions of mobile internet connections. Officials stated this was necessary to counter drone strikes, but experts contended an additional move to assert dominance over the internet.

Targeting Communication Apps

The government has also acted against popular messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were restricted in recently. This year, authorities outlawed calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the action by claiming the platforms were being involved in crime.

Simultaneously, authorities have actively promoted a dubbed "national" messenger app called Max. Critics view it as a potential surveillance tool. The service explicitly states it will provide user information with officials when asked, and experts note it lacks full encryption.

Legal Framework and Analyst Commentary

As explained by cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, Russian law views any platform where people can communicate as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This label obligates that platforms establish a presence with the regulator and grant the FSB with access to user accounts. Platforms that fail to do so are breaking the law and face blocking.

Seleznev pointed out that potentially tens of millions of Russians had been relying on FaceTime, particularly after calls were banned on other messaging apps. He called the restrictions against the Apple service as "expected" and warned that other sites that do not cooperate with Roskomnadzor "are likely to be blocked – it is inevitable."

Gaming Sites Also Targeted

In a separate action, the authorities also said it was banning the online game platform Roblox, citing safeguarding minors from inappropriate material. According to research group Mediascope, the platform was the number two gaming site in Russia last month, with close to 8 million active users.

Although it remains possible to bypass certain of these limitations by utilizing virtual private network services, such tools are also often blocked by authorities as well.