Russia Blocks Roblox, Apple's FaceTime (www.cbc.ca)
(Thursday December 04, 2025 @05:22PM (BeauHD)
from the latest-targets dept.)
- Reference: 0180287217
- News link: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/25/12/04/186254/russia-blocks-roblox-apples-facetime
- Source link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/russia-roblox-facetime-9.7002881
Russia has [1]blocked Apple's FaceTime and the gaming platform Roblox as part of a broader crackdown on foreign tech platforms. CBC News reports:
> 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 [2]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.
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/russia-roblox-facetime-9.7002881
[2] https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/08/21/2015241/russia-orders-state-backed-whatsapp-rival-pre-installed-on-phones-and-tablets
> 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 [2]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.
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/russia-roblox-facetime-9.7002881
[2] https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/08/21/2015241/russia-orders-state-backed-whatsapp-rival-pre-installed-on-phones-and-tablets
Can we please cut Russia off the entire Internet? (Score:2)
by newcastlejon ( 1483695 )
Just cut them off for one day. I bet there would be a visible downtick in social media posts if the troll farms went away for just one day.
That's what Russia CLAIMS... however (Score:3)
[1]Here's the REAL reason Russia is banning Roblox [craiyon.com].
[1] https://www.craiyon.com/en/image/UNdcLGvfQf6wGFLuiJxKbQ
Super unrealistic (Score:2)
The douchebag putz looks almost healthy there.