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In a sustained campaign to exert greater control over digital platforms, Russian regulators have restricted access to Snapchat and placed curbs on Apple's video calling service, FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor claimed that the two apps were utilized to facilitate and carry out acts of terrorism inside Russia, to enlist people and commit fraud along with other offenses targeting Russian citizens.

Officials stated it took action against Snapchat back on the 10th of October, though the move was only made public later.

Broader Context of Digital Crackdown

This recent action are part of comparable restrictions against key apps including YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram messaging service. These measures of bans escalated in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, authorities have undertaken systematic and wide-ranging efforts to curtail the digital space. This has included:

• Adopting tough new laws.
• Banning online services that do not comply with state demands.
• Perfecting systems to track and influence digital communications.

Other Examples of Restrictions

Service for the YouTube platform was throttled last year in what experts called intentional slowing by regulators. Authorities attributed the issue to YouTube's owner, Google for allegedly neglecting its hardware in Russia.

This summer, officials further restricted internet access with broad shutdowns of mobile internet connections. The government insisted this was necessary to thwart drone strikes, but critics argued a further measure to assert dominance over the digital landscape.

Action Against Messaging Platforms

The government has also targeted widely-used communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were restricted in this year. Furthermore, authorities banned calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, defending the action by claiming the platforms were being facilitating crime.

Simultaneously, the state have heavily pushed a so-called "domestic" communication platform called Max. Critics regard it as a potential monitoring instrument. The service openly declares it will hand over data with authorities upon request, and experts note it lacks full encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Expert Analysis

As explained by cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, regulations defines any service where users can message as an "organizer of dissemination of information".

This label requires that platforms have an account with the regulator and grant the FSB with access to user accounts. Those failing to meet these demands are breaking the law and may be banned.

Seleznev noted that perhaps many millions of users in Russia had been turning to FaceTime, particularly after calls were banned on other messaging apps. He described the blocking of the Apple service as "expected" and stated that further services failing to cooperate with Roskomnadzor "face blocking – it is inevitable."

Gaming Platforms Too Targeted

As another move, the authorities also said it was blocking Roblox, claiming it aimed at child protection from inappropriate material. According to research group Mediascope, the platform was the second most popular gaming site in Russia last month, with approximately 8 million active users.

Although it is still possible to get around a few of these blocks by employing VPN services, those are also often blocked by officials as well.