Russias Communications Watchdog Tightens Grip on Foreign Messaging Apps: Snapchat and FaceTime Targeted

Russia’s state communication regulator has escalated its efforts against foreign messaging platforms, blocking Snapchat on Thursday, shortly after limiting video and voice call access on Apple’s FaceTime.

Roskomnadzor claimed in a statement reported by state media that Snapchat was being utilized “to organize and execute terrorist activities within the nation” and to aid in fraud and other criminal acts.

The app, known for its self-destructing photo and video messages, boasted 7.6 million users in Russia last year.

Earlier on the same day, Roskomnadzor provided a similar rationale for the restrictions on Apple’s FaceTime, though users in Russia had already started experiencing issues with the app as far back as September.

The Moscow Times attempted to initiate FaceTime calls to various individuals in Russia but was unable to connect. Nevertheless, users can still make video and voice calls on the app by using a VPN.

Thursday’s announcement was the first official indication that the authorities were restricting both Snapchat and FaceTime.

These measures come as Roskomnadzor increases its scrutiny of WhatsApp, the most popular messaging service in the country, with nearly 100 million users.

Last week, the regulator cautioned that a complete block of WhatsApp could occur, accusing the Meta-owned platform of not adhering to Russia’s data localization regulations and of several legal breaches related to alleged terrorist activities and fraud.

Despite the official assertions regarding terrorism, the internet rights organization Na Svyazi has alleged that the authorities are attempting to steer users toward Max, a government-endorsed messaging application that the group argues allows officials full access to private conversations.

The restrictions on FaceTime and Snapchat followed a day after Roskomnadzor blocked access to the U.S.-owned gaming platform Roblox, citing accusations of distributing extremist material, promoting “LGBT propaganda,” and “negatively affecting the spiritual and moral development of children.”

Roblox was the most downloaded mobile game in Russia during 2023.

Reporting contributed by Mack Tubridy.