Russia’s state media regulator said Thursday that it was restricting voice and video calls on Apple’s FaceTime, making it the latest foreign-made app to be effectively blocked inside the country.
Roskomnadzor said law enforcement agencies had informed it that FaceTime was being used “to organize and carry out terrorist activities” and to facilitate fraud and other crimes, according to a statement carried by state media.
The wording closely mirrored accusations the regulator issued last week against WhatsApp, which it also began restricting over what it called repeated legal violations tied to alleged terrorist activity.
Russian users first reported widespread disruptions to FaceTime calls in September. Thursday’s announcement marked the first confirmation that authorities had moved to restrict the app.
The Moscow Times tried to call several people inside Russia using FaceTime but was unable to connect. However, video and voice calls are still possible on the app when users turn on a VPN.
Similar problems have been reported with WhatsApp and Telegram, both of which have been targeted by Roskomnadzor amid allegations that they are being used to commit fraud against Russian citizens.
Despite the official terrorism claims, the internet rights group Na Svyazi has accused the authorities of trying to push Russians toward Max, a government-backed messaging app that the group says gives officials full access to users’ private conversations.
The FaceTime restrictions came a day after Roskomnadzor blocked access to the U.S.-owned gaming platform Roblox, accusing it of distributing extremist materials, promoting “LGBT propaganda” and “negatively impacting the spiritual and moral development of children.”
Roblox was the most downloaded mobile game in Russia in 2023.
Mack Tubridy contributed reporting.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
