**FaceTime Prohibited in Russia Amidst Growing Communication Censorship**
A new article from *Reuters* reveals that Russia has officially barred access to Apple’s FaceTime, rendering users unable to connect through the platform starting today. This move is part of a larger pattern of heightened limitations on foreign tech services in the nation.
As reported by the state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, the restriction on FaceTime is defended by assertions from law enforcement agencies claiming the app is being used for coordinating and carrying out terrorist operations, recruiting individuals for such endeavors, and perpetrating fraud against Russian citizens. Nonetheless, the regulator did not provide any proof to back these claims.
Reports from Moscow show that users trying to access FaceTime are encountering notifications indicating “User unavailable.” In certain cases, users have noted seeing incoming calls on their devices, yet the calls do not connect when answered.
The prohibition of FaceTime is not an isolated case. This action comes in the wake of recent limitations placed on other widely-used communication platforms, such as Google’s YouTube, Meta’s WhatsApp, and the Telegram messaging service. Furthermore, merely a day before the FaceTime prohibition, Russia also limited access to the popular game Roblox, citing its use for disseminating extremist material and “LGBT propaganda.”
As the scenario progresses, further information will be shared regarding the consequences of these communication restrictions in Russia.
