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Russia has blocked Apple’s FaceTime, the country’s communications watchdog reportedly said on Thursday, which comes as part of a clampdown on foreign tech companies as Russia alleges some are being used for criminal activity.
Euronews Next can confirm that FaceTime calls could not be made to users in Russia on Thursday.
Russian media reported that media regulator Roskomnadzor said in an emailed statement: “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 decision comes as Moscow, locked in a standoff with the West over Ukraine, is seeking more control over the internet.
YouTube, Telegram, Meta’s WhatsApp, and Roblox are also banned in Russia.
Russia had accused the foreign-owned platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases, or of spreading content contrary to the state’s values.
Russia has also launched a state-backed rival messenger app called MAX, though critics have said it could be used for surveillance. Russian state media has denied the accusations.
Euronews Next has reached out to Apple for comment but did not receive a reply at the time of publication.