Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.
Russia has blocked Apple’s video-calling app FaceTime, the state communications watchdog said Thursday, just a day after blocking the U.S. children’s gaming platform Roblox.
Both restrictions are part of an accelerating clampdown on foreign tech platforms: In the case of FaceTime, Russian authorities allege it is being used for criminal activity, while Roblox was accused of distributing extremist materials and “LGBT propaganda.”
The move follows restrictions against Google’s YouTube, Meta’s WhatsApp and the Telegram messaging service.
Critics say the curbs amount to censorship and a tightening of state control over private communications. Russia says they are legitimate law enforcement measures. Russian authorities have this year launched a state-backed rival app called Max, which critics say could be used for surveillance — allegations that state media have dismissed as false.
Justifying its decision, the communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, said in an emailed statement: “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 watchdog did not cite evidence in support of the allegations.
The Max messaging app, which now comes pre-installed on all new phones sold in Russia, is being heavily promoted by musicians, athletes and social influencers. Moscow also wants Russians with older phones to download Max, while making it harder to use platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
Apple representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the blocking of FaceTime, an app that enables users to make free video and audio calls over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Moscow residents who tried FaceTime on Thursday reported seeing an on-screen message saying “User unavailable.” One said a friend that she tried to contact had seen the incoming call but was unable to connect.
In recent months, Roskomnadzor has intensified measures to block access to Western media and tech platforms it says are hosting content that breaches Russian laws.
In August, Russia began limiting some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing them of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases. Roskomnadzor last week threatened to block WhatsApp completely.
Roblox ban
On Wednesday, Roskomnadzor blocked access to the U.S. children’s gaming platform Roblox, accusing it of distributing extremist materials and “LGBT propaganda.” Roskomnadzor further said Roblox was “rife with inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children.”
A Roblox spokesperson said in an emailed comment to Reuters: “We respect the local laws and regulations in the countries where we operate and believe Roblox provides a positive space for learning, creation and meaningful connection for everyone.”
The spokesperson said Roblox has “a deep commitment to safety and we have a robust set of proactive and preventative safety measures designed to catch and prevent harmful content on our platform.”
Roblox, which averaged 151.5 million daily active users in the third quarter of this year, has been banned by several countries, including Iraq and Turkey, over concerns about predators exploiting the platform to abuse children.
Roskomnadzor has a long track record of restricting access to Western media and tech platforms that it deems to be hosting content that breaches Russian laws.
Last year, language-learning app Duolingo deleted references to what Russia calls “non-traditional sexual relations” after being warned by the watchdog about publishing 2SLGBTQ+ content.
In 2023, Russia designated what it called the “international LGBT movement” as extremist and those supporting it as terrorists, paving the way for serious criminal cases against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their advocates.
