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Russia has expanded its crackdown on Western digital services by blocking Apple’s FaceTime and Snap’s Snapchat, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The decision adds more pressure to a tech landscape already restricted by bans on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Authorities claim both platforms have been used to organize and support terrorist activity. They also accuse the services of enabling recruitment efforts and helping facilitate fraud and other criminal behavior. Officials have not shared evidence, but the allegations mark another escalation in Russia’s effort to control online communication.
Tension between Russia and major tech companies has grown steadily since the war in Ukraine began in 2022. During this time, the government has tightened rules for digital platforms and pushed global companies to follow strict local requirements.
WhatsApp is also under threat. Regulators recently warned that it could face a full shutdown for alleged violations of Russian law. The latest bans signal that Russia is prepared to widen its restrictions as it continues to reshape the country’s digital boundaries.
