Russia Blocks Snapchat Over Security Concerns in Occupied Territories – Межа

As reported by RIA Novosti The Russian regulator Roskomnadzor officially announced the blocking of the Snapchat messaging app in Russia and on the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea. The decision was made on October 10, 2025. According to law enforcement, Snapchat is used to coordinate terrorist activities on Russian soil, recruit operatives, and carry out fraudulent and other unlawful operations against Russian citizens. Snapchat is an American service launched in 2011 that allows exchanging photos, videos, and messages that disappear after a few seconds or after a day. This is not the first restriction on Western digital services in Russia this week: earlier reports indicated blocks of Roblox and Apple’s FaceTime video calling service. Such actions highlight the shrinking availability of foreign platforms in the region, where users are increasingly seeking alternative ways to communicate and share information. Possible consequences for users and the market The Snapchat ban could affect the ease of sharing media files and private messages among users in Russia and on the occupied territories. Experts note that blocking online services often prompts people to switch to other platforms or limit the use of certain features.
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