According to reports from Bloomberg, Apple’s FaceTime video communication service and Snap Inc.’s Snapchat application have been prohibited within the Russian Federation. This action further restricts access to digital platforms, following the prior blocking of significant social media networks, including Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Russian authorities have cited the alleged use of FaceTime and Snapchat for activities deemed illegal, including the organization and execution of terrorist acts, as well as the recruitment of individuals involved in such endeavors. Furthermore, these platforms have been implicated in various criminal activities, specifically including instances of fraud.
In a related development, the Russian government has issued a warning to WhatsApp regarding potential violations of local regulations, which could result in a complete ban of the messaging service. These actions reflect a consistent trend of stricter control over social media platforms within Russia, particularly since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022.
Source
