Russia continues tech crackdown by blocking Snapchat, FaceTime access

In December 2025, Russia's internet regulator Roskomnadzor announced it had blocked access to Snapchat and Apple's FaceTime on October 10. The regulator accused both platforms of being used to organize terrorist acts and recruit perpetrators of criminal acts within Russia. This action is part of a broader effort by Russian authorities to tighten control over the internet and online communications. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has intensified efforts to restrict online platforms, including blocking major social media sites like X, Facebook, and Instagram. YouTube access has also been disrupted, with authorities blaming Google for hardware maintenance issues.

Russian authorities have blocked Snapchat and restricted Apple's FaceTime, according to state news agencies and the communications regulator Roskomnadzor. Roskomnadzor stated the apps were being used for terrorist activities, recruiting, fraud, and other crimes. The action against Snapchat was taken on October 10 but only reported recently. These restrictions follow similar actions against other platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Under Vladimir Putin, the Russian government has been tightening control over the internet through restrictive laws, website bans, and monitoring technology. Other messaging platforms like Signal, Viber, WhatsApp, and Telegram have also faced restrictions, while the government promotes a national messenger app called Max.