Russia blocks Roblox, Apple’s FaceTime amid rising rebuke of overseas tech platforms

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Russia has blocked Apple's video-calling app FaceTime, the state communications watchdog stated Thursday, only a day after blocking the U.S. youngsters's gaming platform Roblox.

Each restrictions are a part of an accelerating clampdown on overseas tech platforms: Within the case of FaceTime, Russian authorities allege it's getting used for felony exercise, whereas Roblox was accused of distributing extremist supplies and "LGBT propaganda."

The transfer follows restrictions in opposition to Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and the Telegram messaging service.

Critics say the curbs quantity to censorship and a tightening of state management over non-public communications. Russia says they're legit legislation enforcement measures. Russian authorities have this yr launched a state-backed rival app referred to as Max, which critics say may very well be used for surveillance — allegations that state media have dismissed as false.

Justifying its choice, the communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, stated in an emailed assertion: "In line with legislation enforcement companies, FaceTime is getting used to arrange and perform terrorist assaults within the nation, recruit perpetrators, and commit fraud and different crimes in opposition to Russian residents."

The watchdog didn't cite proof in assist of the allegations.

WATCH | Russia promotes alternate messaging apps after WhatsApp, Telegram restriction: Russia pushes Max messaging app as WhatsApp, Telegram restricted

The Max messaging app, which now comes pre-installed on all new telephones bought in Russia, is being closely promoted by musicians, athletes and social influencers. Moscow additionally needs Russians with older telephones to obtain Max, whereas making it tougher to make use of platforms reminiscent of WhatsApp and Telegram. Apple representatives didn't instantly reply to requests for touch upon the blocking of FaceTime, an app that allows customers to make free video and audio calls over Wi-Fi or mobile knowledge.

Moscow residents who tried FaceTime on Thursday reported seeing an on-screen message saying "Person unavailable." One stated a pal that she tried to contact had seen the incoming name however was unable to attach.

In latest months, Roskomnadzor has intensified measures to dam entry to Western media and tech platforms it says are internet hosting content material that breaches Russian legal guidelines.

In August, Russia started limiting some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing them of refusing to share info with legislation enforcement in fraud and terrorism instances. Roskomnadzor final week threatened to block WhatsApp utterly.

Final yr, language-learning app Duolingo deleted references to what Russia calls "non-traditional sexual relations" after being warned by the watchdog about publishing 2SLGBTQ+ content material.

Roblox ban On Wednesday, Roskomnadzor blocked entry to the U.S. youngsters's gaming platform Roblox, accusing it of distributing extremist supplies and "LGBT propaganda." Roskomnadzor additional stated Roblox was "rife with inappropriate content material that may negatively influence the religious and ethical improvement of kids."

A Roblox spokesperson stated in an emailed remark to Reuters: "We respect the native legal guidelines and rules within the international locations the place we function and imagine Roblox gives a constructive area for studying, creation and significant connection for everybody."

The spokesperson stated Roblox has "a deep dedication to security and we've got a strong set of proactive and preventative security measures designed to catch and stop dangerous content material on our platform."

Roblox, which averaged 151.5 million day by day energetic customers within the third quarter of this yr, has been banned by a number of international locations, together with Iraq and Turkey, over considerations about predators exploiting the platform to abuse youngsters.

In 2023, Russia designated what it referred to as the "worldwide LGBT motion" as extremist and people supporting it as terrorists, paving the way in which for severe felony instances in opposition to lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transgender folks and their advocates.