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Russia blocked Apple video calling app FaceTimeThis was announced on Thursday by the government's communications watchdog, just a day after the American children's gaming platform Roblox was blocked.
Both restrictions are part of an increasing crackdown on foreign technology platforms: in the case of FaceTime, Russian authorities say it is used for criminal activity, and Roblox has been accused of distribution of extremist materials and “LGBT propaganda”.
The move follows restrictions on Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and messaging service Telegram.
Critics say the restrictions amount to censorship and increased government control over private communications. Russia says these are legitimate law enforcement measures. RussiaRussian authorities this year launched government-backed competing app called Maxwhich critics say could be used for surveillance – accusations that state media have dismissed as false.
Justifying its decision, communications regulator Roskomnadzor said in an emailed statement: “According to law enforcement agencies, FaceTime used to organize and carry out terrorist attacks in the country, recruit criminals, commit fraud and other crimes against Russian citizens”.
The Investigative Committee did not provide evidence to support the charges.
The Max messaging app, which now comes pre-installed on all new phones sold in Russia, is being actively promoted by musicians, athletes and public figures. Moscow also wants Russians with older phones to download Max, while making platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram more difficult to use.
Apple representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the blocking FaceTimean application that allows users to make free video and audio calls over Wi-Fi or cellular network.
Muscovites who tried FaceTime on Thursday reported that he saw the message “User unavailable” on the screen. One said a friend she was trying to contact saw an incoming call but was unable to connect.
In recent months, Roskomnadzor has stepped up measures to block access to Western media and technology platforms that it says host content that violates security rules. RussiaRussian laws.
In August Russia began restricting some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing them of refusing to share information with law enforcement agencies in cases of fraud and terrorism. Roskomnadzor last week threatened to completely block WhatsApp.
Last year, language learning app Duolingo removed references to Russia calls “non-traditional sexual relationships” after an observer warned him about posting 2SLGBTQ+ content.
roblox ban
On Wednesday, Roskomnadzor blocked access to the American children's gaming platform Roblox, accusing it of distributing extremist materials and “LGBT propaganda.” Roskomnadzor further reported Roblox “replete with inappropriate content that may adversely affect the spiritual and moral development of children.”
A Roblox A spokesman said in an emailed comment to Reuters: “We respect local laws and regulations in the countries where we operate and believe that Roblox provides a positive space for learning, creativity and meaningful connection for everyone.”
The representative said Roblox has a “deep commitment to security, and we have a robust set of proactive and proactive security measures designed to detect and prevent harmful content on our platform.”
Robloxwhich averaged 151.5 million daily active users in the third quarter of this year, was banned by several countries, including Iraq and Turkey, over concerns about predators using the platform to abuse children.
In 2023 Russia declared what he called the “international LGBT movement” extremist and those who support it terrorists, paving the way for serious criminal charges against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their advocates.
