Russia blocks Roblox and Snapchat, saying they're used to coordinate 'terrorist activities'

"Roblox and Snapchat are now blocked in Russia over what it said were concerns about extremism. They're now added to an extensive list of blocked or restricted platforms in Russia for such reasons. Apple's FaceTime also faces restrictions for what Russia said was "terrorist" activity. Russia's internet and media regulator said this week that it has blocked Snapchat and Roblox, saying both platforms were used for "extremist and terrorist" activity."

"Roskomnadzor announced its decision to block Snapchat on Thursday, but said it had already made the social media app unavailable in Russia since October 10. "According to law enforcement agencies, Snapchat is being used to organize and conduct terrorist activities in the country, recruit perpetrators, and commit fraud and other crimes against our citizens," it said in a statement, per state media."

"Meanwhile, Roskomnadzor said on Thursday that it is also imposing "restrictive measures" on Apple's FaceTime video calling service. State media outlet TASS wrote that the agency said that "FaceTime is being used to coordinate terrorist activities in the country, recruit terrorists, and commit fraud and other crimes against citizens." A Roblox spokesperson told Business Insider that the company has a "deep commitment to safety" and enacts proactive measures to catch and prevent harmful content on the platform."

Russia's internet and media regulator Roskomnadzor blocked Snapchat and Roblox, citing their use for extremist and terrorist activities. Snapchat was made unavailable in Russia since October 10 amid law-enforcement claims that the app was used to organize terrorist acts, recruit perpetrators, and commit fraud and other crimes against citizens. Roblox was accused of enabling distribution of propaganda advocating extremist or terrorist activities and of facilitating the spread of "LGBT information," which Russia legally classifies as extremist. Roskomnadzor also imposed restrictive measures on Apple's FaceTime, alleging its use to coordinate terrorist activities, recruit terrorists, and commit fraud. Roblox stated a deep commitment to safety and respect for local regulations.

Read at Business Insider