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Russia blocks FaceTime and Snapchat over use in terrorist attacks. Russian telecommunications watchdog Roskomnadzor has blocked access to Apple's FaceTime video conferencing platform and the Snapchat instant messaging service, claiming they're being used to coordinate terrorist attacks. Roskomnadzor said that the two platforms are also being used to recruit criminals and to commit fraud and various other crimes targeting Russian citizens. "According to law enforcement agencies, the FaceTime service is used to organize and carry out terrorist attacks in the country, recruit their perpetrators, commit fraudulent and other crimes against our citizens," it said in a Thursday statement. While it didn't announce it until today, the Russian telecom regulator said that Snapchat had been blocked on October 10, "in accordance with the rules of centralized management of the public communication network." As of this month, Snapchat for Android has been downloaded over 1 billion times on the Google Play Store, while the iOS version has over 5.2 million ratings on Apple's App Store. FaceTime is Apple's proprietary videotelephony platform that comes preinstalled on the company's iOS and macOS devices. Apple and Snap spokespersons were not immediately available for comment when contacted by BleepingComputer earlier today. On Wednesday, Roskomnadzor also banned the Roblox online gaming platform for allegedly failing to stop the distribution of what the Russian watchdog described as LGBT propaganda and extremist materials. Russian news agency Interfax also reported on Friday that Russia is planning to ban Meta's WhatsApp messaging platform, which is now being used by over 3 billion people worldwide. One year ago, Roskomnadzor blocked the Viber encrypted messaging app, used by hundreds of millions, for violating the country's anti-extremism and anti-terrorism legislation, months after blocking access to the Signal encrypted messaging service for the same reason. ​ In March 2023, it also banned government and state agencies from using foreign private messaging platforms, including Discord, Microsoft Teams, Telegram, Threema, Viber, WhatsApp, and WeChat, claiming that the service had failed to remove "misinformation" from their platforms. Break down IAM silos like Bitpanda, KnowBe4, and PathAI Broken IAM isn't just an IT problem - the impact ripples across your whole business. This practical guide covers why traditional IAM practices fail to keep up with modern demands, examples of what "good" IAM looks like, and a simple checklist for building a scalable strategy.

Daily Brief Summary

NATION STATE ACTIVITY // Russia Blocks FaceTime and Snapchat Amid Security Concerns

Russia's Roskomnadzor has blocked FaceTime and Snapchat, citing their use in coordinating terrorist activities and recruiting criminals.

The ban reflects ongoing tensions between Russia and foreign tech platforms, impacting millions of users within the country.

FaceTime, preinstalled on Apple devices, and Snapchat, with over a billion downloads, are significant communication tools now restricted.

The move is part of a broader Russian strategy to control digital communications, having previously banned other platforms like Viber and Signal.

Roskomnadzor's actions align with national security measures, emphasizing the regulation of foreign messaging services under anti-extremism laws.

The ban raises questions about the balance between national security and digital freedom, affecting international tech companies' operations in Russia.

Apple and Snap have not yet commented on the restrictions, leaving uncertainty about potential responses or negotiations.