The Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) has begun restricting the operation of Apple's video-calling service FaceTime within the country. This decision is viewed as part of Russia’s ongoing policy to tighten control over its digital space, and the ban has already come into effect.
In its official statement, the agency cited national security concerns as the main reason for the restriction. Russian authorities claim that the FaceTime platform is actively used to organize and coordinate terrorist attacks, recruit new members into criminal groups, and carry out large-scale fraud schemes targeting Russian citizens. Officials argue that blocking access to foreign platforms is necessary to prevent such incidents.
This is not the first strict measure taken against global communication services in Russia. Previously, the popular WhatsApp messenger was also blocked under similar arguments. Government authorities are advising citizens to abandon foreign services and switch to local technologies. As an alternative communication tool, users are recommended to use Russia’s domestically developed messenger “Max.”
