FaceTime stopped working for users across Russia after officials ordered a nationwide block on the service. The government claimed the app helped criminals plan attacks and commit fraud, yet it offered no case data to support these accusations. Instead, many citizens saw the move as another effort to restrict tools that operate outside state control.
Soon after the block began, people in Moscow reported failed calls and “User unavailable” messages. Some call recipients still saw incoming rings, which caused even more confusion. Apple did not comment on whether regulators warned the company before enforcing the ban.
Encryption at the Center of the Conflict
FaceTime uses end-to-end encryption, which prevents outside parties from viewing conversations. This design limits government access, and analysts believe it played a major role in Russia’s decision. The country previously restricted WhatsApp and pressured Telegram over similar concerns.
During the same period, officials promoted MAX, a state-backed calling app. Critics warned that MAX lacks Apple’s privacy protections and could increase surveillance. Since the block, the app’s adoption has grown and now aligns with Russia’s push for domestic digital platforms.
Part of a Wider Crackdown on Foreign Tech
The FaceTime block follows broader actions against Western services. Regulators recently banned Roblox for extremist content and limited WhatsApp’s calling features. Many users view these steps as part of a long-term plan to reduce reliance on foreign technology and tighten oversight of private communication.
Families and businesses that rely on FaceTime now must switch to apps that may not offer the same level of security. This shift raises concerns about privacy, especially as more governments around the world debate limits on encrypted communication.
