Dec 4 : Russia has blocked Apple’s video-calling app FaceTime, the state communications watchdog mentioned on Thursday, as a part of an accelerating clampdown on overseas tech platforms that authorities allege are getting used for prison exercise.
The transfer follows restrictions in opposition to Google’s YouTube, Meta’s WhatsApp and the Telegram messaging service.
Critics say the curbs quantity to censorship and a tightening of state management over non-public communications. Russia says they’re reputable regulation enforcement measures. Russian authorities have this yr launched a state-backed rival app referred to as MAX, which critics say may very well be used for surveillance – allegations that state media have dismissed as false.
Justifying its resolution, the communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, mentioned in an emailed assertion: “According to law enforcement agencies, FaceTime is being used to organise and carry out terrorist attacks in the country, recruit perpetrators, and commit fraud and other crimes against Russian citizens.”
The watchdog didn’t cite proof in assist of the allegations.
Apple representatives didn’t instantly reply to requests for touch upon the blocking of FaceTime, an app that allows customers to make free video and audio calls over Wi-Fi or mobile knowledge.
Moscow residents who tried FaceTime on Thursday reported seeing an on-screen message saying “User unavailable”. One mentioned a good friend that she tried to contact had seen the incoming name however was unable to attach.
In latest months, Roskomnadzor has intensified measures to dam entry to Western media and tech platforms it says are internet hosting content material that breaches Russian legal guidelines.
In August, Russia started limiting some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing them of refusing to share info with regulation enforcement in fraud and terrorism instances. Roskomnadzor final week threatened to dam WhatsApp utterly.
On Wednesday, Roskomnadzor blocked entry to the U.S. kids’s gaming platform Roblox, accusing it of distributing extremist supplies and “LGBT propaganda”. Roblox mentioned it respects the legal guidelines of nations the place it operates and is deeply dedicated to making sure customers’ security.