Apple's FaceTime, Snapchat blocked in Russia: Here's why

FaceTime

Russia has tightened its grip on foreign tech platforms once again. This time, the country has blocked Apple’s FaceTime and Snapchat, two apps that are still hugely popular worldwide. The announcement came from Russia’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, which claimed both platforms were being used to “organize and carry out terrorist activities” and to commit fraud.

Snapchat, known for its disappearing photos and videos, had more than 7.6 million users in Russia in 2022. Roskomnadzor said criminals were using the platform’s privacy features to communicate secretly. The ban followed just hours after Russia restricted FaceTime, Apple’s built-in video calling service.

FaceTime had become one of the last major Western video-calling tools still functioning in Russia after restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram. For comparison, WhatsApp remains India’s most widely used messaging app, and any disruption to it would cause nationwide panic. In Russia, WhatsApp has nearly 100 million users, and authorities have warned that a full block could happen if the Meta-owned platform does not comply with local data laws.

People in Russia had already been reporting issues with FaceTime since September, but Thursday’s announcement was the first official confirmation. The Moscow Times tested several FaceTime calls within Russia and found none connected unless the user enabled a VPN. Similar connection problems are now being reported on WhatsApp and Telegram.

However, digital rights groups argue the government’s explanation may not be the real reason. Na Svyazi, a Russian internet rights organisation, says blocking popular foreign apps helps push people toward Max, a government-backed messaging platform. According to them, Max gives authorities full access to users’ chats, raising concerns over surveillance and privacy.