Russia Blocks Snapchat as Roskomnadzor Confirms Ban
Russia's communications regulator confirms a nationwide Snapchat ban, citing misuse for recruitment, fraud, and organizing extremist acts; the move follows a broader crackdown on popular apps.
Authorities in Russia have confirmed that Snapchat is now blocked nationwide. The move, announced by the communications regulator, follows months of scrutiny over how the app is used and its alignment with local laws.
What happened
The regulator, Roskomnadzor, said the ban took effect after lengthy checks and is part of broader enforcement actions against apps that fail to curb illegal activities online. It notes the service was used for illegal activities, including recruitment, fraud, and organizing terrorist acts.
Snapchat is a mobile app for sending photos and short videos, with messages and images that disappear after a short time. It is popular among young users for filters, lenses, and a “Stories” format. The platform reportedly has around 943 million monthly users worldwide.
About Snapchat
Snapchat is a mobile app where you can share quick moments with friends; messages and photos disappear after a short interval. It is widely used by younger people because of playful filters and the ephemeral posting style.
Recent regulatory actions
In recent weeks, Roskomnadzor has signaled a tougher approach to online platforms. The regulator slowed or restricted access to several services, including WhatsApp, and recently blocked the Roblox game in Russia and limited Apple’s FaceTime for local users.
Expert opinion
Tech policy analyst Dr. Lena Volkov says the Snapchat ban highlights a stricter regulatory environment for online platforms in Russia. She notes safety and law-enforcement priorities are driving these actions and that many international services now face closer scrutiny.
Summary
The Snapchat block shows the government's broader effort to regulate digital services within Russia. While it raises questions about access and user convenience, authorities emphasize compliance with local laws and public safety. Users may turn to alternative messaging options permitted under the rules.
Key insight: Russia's tightening regulation of digital platforms signals a shift toward closer government control over online communication and data in the country.