Russia’s telecom regulator Roskomnadzor has officially blocked access to Apple’s FaceTime and Snapchat, alleging the platforms are being used to coordinate terrorist attacks, recruit perpetrators, and conduct fraud activities targeting Russian citizens.
🛑 FaceTime Blocked
Roskomnadzor claims the service is being misused by criminal groups and terrorist networks. The announcement cites intelligence agencies as the source of these allegations.
🛑 Snapchat Blocked Since October 10
Although only revealed today, Snapchat access was quietly restricted weeks ago under Russia’s centralized network-management rules.
📱 Massive Global Use
- Snapchat: 1B+ Android downloads
- FaceTime: Preinstalled across all Apple devices
Both services remain accessible globally, but not in Russia.
⚠️ More Platforms Under Pressure
- This week, Russia also banned Roblox, accusing it of hosting extremist and LGBT-related content.
- Reports indicate Russia may soon ban WhatsApp as well.
- Previous bans: Signal, Viber, Discord, Teams, Telegram, WeChat for government use.
This continues a widespread pattern of tightening digital control, justified by claims of combating extremism but raising significant concerns about censorship and information freedom.
🔍 Apple and Snap have not commented yet.
