After blocking WhatsApp and YouTube, Russia bans one of iPhone’s ‘biggest’ features, here’s why

Russia has blocked access to Apple’s video-calling app, FaceTime, the country’s communications watchdog Roskomnadzor announced on Thursday (December 4). The move targets one of the iPhone’s core features and comes after the Kremlin has clamped down on foreign technology platforms like Google’s YouTube, Meta-owned WhatsApp and Telegram.

According to a report by news agency Reuters, Roskomnadzor justified its decision by claiming the app was being misused for illegal activities. FaceTime, which allows users to make free video and audio calls over the internet.