러시아, FaceTime 금지: Apple, 암호화 백도어 거부

What Happened

Russian authorities have officially blocked Apple’s FaceTime video-calling service nationwide. The move, executed by the state communications regulator Roskomnadzor, effectively cuts off millions of Russian users from one of the world’s most popular encrypted communication tools.

Users in Moscow and other major cities began reporting issues early Thursday, seeing “User unavailable” messages when attempting to make calls, despite the app opening normally. This indicates a network-level block targeting the specific protocols used by FaceTime. The ban comes after Apple reportedly refused demands from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) to provide “backdoor” access to encrypted user communications.

Key Details

• Official Justification: Roskomnadzor claims FaceTime was being used to “organize terrorist attacks, recruit perpetrators, and commit fraud,” though no specific evidence has been released to the public.
• The Real Friction Point: Sources indicate the ban was triggered by Apple’s refusal to comply with Russian data laws requiring decryption keys for law enforcement access.
• The State Alternative: Simultaneously, Russian officials are promoting a domestic alternative app called “MAX,” which critics warn is fully accessible to state surveillance.
• Broader Crackdown: This follows recent restrictions on other Western platforms, including Discord, WhatsApp, and Telegram, marking a significant escalation in Russia’s control over the digital space in 2025.

Why It Matters

For Consumers

This is a major blow to privacy for Russian citizens. FaceTime is renowned for its robust end-to-end encryption, meaning not even Apple can see the content of calls. By blocking it and pushing users toward state-monitored alternatives like MAX, the government is effectively removing a safe haven for private conversation. Users will likely turn to VPNs, though Russia is aggressively targeting those as well.

For the Industry

Apple’s refusal to cave to FSB demands sets a powerful precedent. While other companies have sometimes compromised to maintain market access, Apple is signaling that its core brand promise—privacy—is non-negotiable, even if it means losing access to a market as large as Russia. This could lead to further retaliation against Apple hardware sales or other services like iCloud.

For Geopolitics

This move further solidifies the “Digital Iron Curtain.” Russia is systematically isolating its internet (RuNet) from the West, creating a controlled information environment similar to China’s “Great Firewall,” but implemented with more abrupt, blunt-force bans.

The Backstory

The tension between Silicon Valley and Moscow has been simmering for years, but 2025 has seen a rapid boil-over. Russia has been progressively tightening its grip on the internet, passing laws that require foreign tech companies to open local offices and store data on Russian servers.

Apple has historically walked a fine line, complying with some local laws while trying to maintain its privacy standards. However, the demand for direct decryption keys appears to have been a red line. The promotion of the “MAX” app suggests this was a calculated move to replace foreign tech with domestic, controllable software.

Expert Reactions

Cybersecurity Analysts warn that the shift to domestic apps like MAX poses severe risks. “The promotion of a state-backed alternative immediately following a ban on a secure competitor is a textbook move for increasing surveillance,” notes one industry observer. “Users should assume any communication on these state-approved platforms is being monitored.”

What’s Next

We expect the cat-and-mouse game to continue.

Timeline:

• Immediate: Russian users will flood to VPNs to try and bypass the block.
• Short Term: Roskomnadzor will likely target the specific VPN protocols allowing FaceTime traffic.
• Medium Term: We could see a ban on iMessage or even restrictions on the sale of Apple hardware if the standoff continues.

Our Take

This isn’t just about “fighting crime.” It’s about control. By banning FaceTime, Russia is admitting that it cannot tolerate communication channels it cannot listen to. Apple’s refusal to build a backdoor is the only responsible choice for a company that champions user privacy, but it leaves Russian citizens with fewer and fewer options for speaking freely. The rise of the “Splinternet”—where the web is divided by national borders—is no longer a theory; it’s here.

The Bottom Line

Russia’s ban on FaceTime is a decisive move against digital privacy, forcing users off secure platforms and onto state-monitored alternatives. It marks a new low in the relationship between Western tech giants and the Russian state, with ordinary citizens paying the price in lost connection and privacy.