Russia blocks Roblox, Apple's FaceTime amid growing rebuke of foreign tech platforms
FaceTime accused of aiding 'crimes against Russian citizens' by Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor
cbc.ca
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.
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