Snapchat and FaceTime Banned in Russia
7 days ago
- #Censorship
- #Russia
- #Independent Journalism
- Russia's state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, blocked Snapchat, citing its use for organizing terrorist activities and facilitating fraud.
- Roskomnadzor also restricted Apple's FaceTime, one of the last major video-calling tools accessible in Russia after restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram.
- The regulator warned of a possible full block on WhatsApp for non-compliance with Russia’s data-localization laws and alleged ties to terrorist activity.
- Russian users reported disruptions to FaceTime calls, though VPNs can bypass restrictions.
- Authorities are accused of pushing Russians toward Max, a government-backed messaging app that allegedly grants officials access to private conversations.
- Roskomnadzor blocked Roblox, accusing it of distributing extremist materials and promoting 'LGBT propaganda.'
- The Moscow Times faces legal challenges, labeled as an 'undesirable' organization and 'foreign agent,' risking prosecution for its staff.
- The Moscow Times appeals for support to continue independent journalism amid government repression.