In a significant escalation of its control over digital communication, Russia has officially blocked access to Apple's popular video-calling application, FaceTime. The country's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced the decision on Thursday, December 4, effectively disabling a core feature for iPhone users across the nation.
Official Justification: Terrorism and Fraud
The regulatory body justified this drastic move by claiming that the app was being exploited for illegal purposes. In a statement emailed to Reuters, Roskomnadzor asserted that law enforcement agencies had found FaceTime being used to organize terrorist attacks, recruit perpetrators, and commit fraud against Russian citizens. The service, which allows users to make free video and audio calls over the internet, is now inaccessible.
Users in Moscow and other regions quickly reported issues, with many seeing an on-screen message stating "User unavailable" when trying to connect. Some even noted that they received incoming call notifications but were ultimately unable to establish a connection, confirming the widespread nature of the block.
Wider Crackdown on Foreign Technology
The blocking of FaceTime is not an isolated incident but the latest in a series of measures by Russian authorities against Western technology platforms. Roskomnadzor has consistently accused these services of hosting content that violates Russian laws and of refusing to cooperate with local law enforcement.
Earlier this year, Russia began limiting some calls on Meta-owned WhatsApp and Telegram, platforms immensely popular in the country. The regulator had even threatened to block WhatsApp entirely just last week over similar non-compliance issues related to fraud and terrorism investigations.
Promoting Domestic Alternatives and Further Bans
Amidst this crackdown, Russia has been actively promoting domestic alternatives. The state has launched a homegrown rival application named MAX, which critics and digital rights activists fear could be used for enhanced surveillance of citizens.
The action against Apple's service follows closely on the heels of another ban. Just one day prior, Roskomnadzor also blocked access to the US-based children's gaming platform Roblox. The regulator accused Roblox of distributing extremist materials and what it labels as "LGBT propaganda," further underscoring the Kremlin's tightening grip on the digital information space and its push against foreign online services.
