Roskomnadzor Confirms FaceTime Block
Russia's state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, officially announced on Thursday, December 4, 2025, that it has blocked Apple's FaceTime video-calling service within the Russian Federation. The regulator stated that the decision was made based on information from law enforcement agencies.
In an emailed statement, Roskomnadzor asserted, '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.' However, the watchdog did not publicly provide evidence to support these allegations.
Part of a Broader Digital Clampdown
The blocking of FaceTime is the latest action in an accelerating campaign by Russian authorities to tighten control over foreign technology platforms and online communications. This year alone, Roskomnadzor has intensified measures against various Western media and tech services, accusing them of hosting content that violates Russian laws or failing to comply with local regulations.
Other platforms that have faced restrictions or outright bans include:
- Roblox: Blocked a day prior to FaceTime, accused of distributing extremist materials and 'LGBT propaganda'.
- WhatsApp and Telegram: Calls on these messaging services were limited earlier this year, with Roskomnadzor threatening a complete block on WhatsApp.
- YouTube: Access has been disrupted, with experts noting deliberate throttling.
- Snapchat: Also blocked on the same grounds as FaceTime.
- Signal: Blocked for alleged 'violations' of anti-terror legislation.
- Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: Previously blocked following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Critics view these curbs as censorship and an effort to increase state control over private communications, while Russian authorities maintain they are legitimate law enforcement measures. Concurrently, Russia has been promoting a state-backed rival application named MAX, which critics suggest could be used for surveillance, an allegation state media has dismissed.
Impact on Users
Following the official announcement, Moscow residents attempting to use FaceTime reported seeing an on-screen message stating 'User unavailable.' Some users noted that while they could see incoming call notifications, they were unable to connect. Reports of users experiencing issues with FaceTime had emerged as early as September, indicating a phased restriction prior to the official block.
The move further isolates Russian digital users from global communication networks and highlights the ongoing efforts by the Russian government to assert greater control over its digital information space.
5 Comments
Africa
Time to rely on our own platforms. Foreign apps are unreliable.
Habibi
The concern about foreign tech influence is valid, but the blanket blocking approach seems heavy-handed. It just creates a more isolated digital environment for everyone, not just criminals.
ZmeeLove
While governments have a right to regulate digital space, the lack of public evidence for these 'terrorism concerns' is troubling. It makes it hard to trust the official narrative and raises questions about true motives.
Ongania
Good! Protect our people from terrorists.
Fuerza
While security is important, blocking a basic communication tool without clear public proof is a huge step. It isolates ordinary citizens more than it stops real threats.