Russia has further tightened its grip on online communications by blocking access to Snapchat and restricting use of Apple's FaceTime service, according to Russian state officials. The move comes as part of an effort to curb the spread of information deemed unfavorable to the government.
According to Roskomnadzor, Russia's internet regulator, both Snapchat and FaceTime were being used to facilitate terrorist activities and other illicit operations within the country. Apple has declined to comment on the matter, while Snap Inc. remains silent.
The restrictions are part of a broader crackdown on online platforms deemed hostile to the Russian government since Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, authorities have adopted restrictive laws and blocked numerous websites and platforms that don't comply.
In recent months, Russia has also disrupted internet access for popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their use in terrorist activities. In addition, several other social media platforms, including Signal and Viber, were previously banned due to alleged criminal activity.
Critics argue that these moves are part of a larger effort by the Russian government to exert control over online communications and suppress dissenting voices. "Any platform where users can message each other is considered an organizer of dissemination of information," says Stanislav Seleznev, a cyber security expert and lawyer with Net Freedom. According to Seleznev, platforms that fail to comply with Roskomnadzor's demands risk being blocked.
The restrictions on FaceTime are seen as predictable by experts, who warn that other platforms failing to cooperate will also be targeted.
According to Roskomnadzor, Russia's internet regulator, both Snapchat and FaceTime were being used to facilitate terrorist activities and other illicit operations within the country. Apple has declined to comment on the matter, while Snap Inc. remains silent.
The restrictions are part of a broader crackdown on online platforms deemed hostile to the Russian government since Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, authorities have adopted restrictive laws and blocked numerous websites and platforms that don't comply.
In recent months, Russia has also disrupted internet access for popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their use in terrorist activities. In addition, several other social media platforms, including Signal and Viber, were previously banned due to alleged criminal activity.
Critics argue that these moves are part of a larger effort by the Russian government to exert control over online communications and suppress dissenting voices. "Any platform where users can message each other is considered an organizer of dissemination of information," says Stanislav Seleznev, a cyber security expert and lawyer with Net Freedom. According to Seleznev, platforms that fail to comply with Roskomnadzor's demands risk being blocked.
The restrictions on FaceTime are seen as predictable by experts, who warn that other platforms failing to cooperate will also be targeted.
- like i get that security is important and all but it feels like they're using it as an excuse to silence people who don't agree with them 
snapchat and face time aren't exactly known for being used in terrorist activities, right? 
what's next facebook, twitter? the lack of response from apple and snapchat is pretty telling too 
- doesn't anyone speak up when they see something like this happening? 
I'm getting so frustrated with these governments trying to control our online lives. Like, come on! Can't we just chat with each other without some faceless bureaucrat deciding what's "hostile" to them? 
I mean, shouldn't the government be focusing on actual terrorist groups rather than just any old messaging app? 
its like they think the world revolves around russia and their online presence is all that matters. newsflash: everyone uses snapchat and facetime all over the world, its not just for terrorists and hackers! 
. Now they're blocking it too? It's like, what's next? Are they gonna block Instagram or TikTok?! 
. Now it's all blocked because of some terrorist activity? I mean, come on! You can't just assume everyone is involved in something shady just because they're using the same platform 
.
Like, we need access to our notes and stuff on the internet! It's all so unfair 
. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out 
. Meanwhile, I'm over here thinking it's just an excuse to silence dissenting voices and maintain control over online comms 
. Stanislav Seleznev's warning about platforms being blocked if they don't comply is on point, though 
. We need more scrutiny on these moves. Where are the sources? What evidence do they have? Can't just block services without a good reason 
.
So the Russian government is basically blocking Snapchat and restricting Apple's FaceTime service because they say it's being used for bad stuff like terrorist activities 
. But honestly I think this is just another way for them to silence people who are speaking out against their actions, especially since Ukraine invaded in 2022 
.
. And now with Snapchat and FaceTime, it's like they're trying to create a digital bubble around themselves where they can't be held accountable for their actions 
. I think we need to be keeping an eye on this, especially if other countries start following Russia's lead 
. We need to protect our right to communicate and express ourselves without fear of reprisal 
these restrictions are super unfair and they can't just shut down platforms because of some ppl using them for bad stuff... like, can't we have a little bit of freedom online? 
. And don't even get me started on how Apple is just sitting there, doing nothing 
. But instead of addressing the root causes, they're just blocking the platforms like it's some kind of magic solution 
.
. At least then I wouldn't have to deal with all this drama online 
.
snapchat and facetime shouldn't be a target just because some bad people use them... i mean, what's next? facebook, twitter? 
it's like they're trying to control every aspect of our lives. and what about user rights?