Russia has blocked access to Apple‘s video-calling app, FaceTime, the country’s communications watchdog Roskomnadzor announced on Thursday (December 4). The move targets one of the iPhone’s core features and comes after the Kremlin has clamped down on foreign technology platforms like Google’s YouTube, Meta-owned WhatsApp and Telegram.According to a report by news agency Reuters, Roskomnadzor justified its decision by claiming the app was being misused for illegal activities. FaceTime, which allows users to make free video and audio calls over the internet. “According to law enforcement agencies, FaceTime is being used to organize and carry out terrorist attacks in the country, recruit perpetrators, and commit fraud and other crimes against Russian citizens,” the regulator said in an emailed statement to Reuters.Moscow residents attempting to use the service reported seeing an on-screen message stating “User unavailable.” Some users even claimed that they saw an incoming call notification but were unable to connect.
Russia tightens control over foreign technology
The blocking of FaceTime is the latest in a series of measures by Roskomnadzor against Western tech platforms accused of hosting content that breaches Russian laws. Notably, earlier this year, Russia began limiting some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing the services of refusing to share critical information with law enforcement related to fraud and terrorism cases. Roskomnadzor even threatened to block WhatsApp completely last week.Russia has also launched a state-backed rival application called MAX, which critics allege could be used for surveillance. Just one day prior to the FaceTime block, Roskomnadzor also blocked access to the US children’s gaming platform Roblox, accusing it of distributing extremist materials and “LGBT propaganda.”
