Russian authorities have imposed restrictions on Apple's FaceTime video calling service, the latest step in Moscow's efforts to tighten control over internet communications, state media reported on December 4.

The FaceTime restrictions add to the growing list of Western technology services unavailable or limited in Russia, forcing users to rely on virtual private networks or domestic alternatives subject to state surveillance requirements.

The FaceTime restrictions add to the growing list of Western technology services unavailable or limited in Russia, forcing users to rely on virtual private networks or domestic alternatives subject to state surveillance requirements.

Internet regulator Roskomnadzor alleged the service is being "used to organise and conduct terrorist activities on the territory of the country, to recruit perpetrators, commit fraud and other crimes against our citizens."

Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Russian users had reported problems with FaceTime since mid-October, with complaints submitted to technology publication iPhones.ru describing connection failures, increased latency and calls dropping unexpectedly despite stable internet connections.

At that time, Roskomnadzor had not announced any restrictions on the service. Apple had also not reported technical issues with FaceTime, and no similar complaints emerged from users outside Russia during the same period.

The FaceTime restrictions follow Russia's blocking of voice calling features on WhatsApp and Telegram in August, leaving iPhone users with limited options for encrypted audio and video calls.

Russia has progressively restricted access to foreign communications platforms since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, citing national security concerns. Authorities have blocked or limited access to numerous social media services, news websites and messaging applications.

The country requires telecommunications providers and internet services to store user data on Russian servers and provide access to security services upon request. Companies that fail to comply face restrictions or outright bans.

Apple has previously removed certain features from devices sold in Russia to comply with local regulations, though the company has resisted demands to store encryption keys on Russian servers.