Russia has blocked access to Snapchat and restricted Apple’s FaceTime service, tightening its digital grip in a move that resonates far beyond its borders. The decision, announced Thursday, is a sharp reminder of how quickly governments can silence communication tools relied upon by millions, including many Kenyans with connections abroad.

This matters because the tactics used by the Kremlin—citing national security to control the flow of information—are not unique to Russia. For Kenyans who depend on a free and open internet for business, family connections, and civic engagement, Moscow's actions offer a sobering look at the fragility of digital rights.

A Widening Digital Iron Curtain

Russia's state internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, alleged the apps were used to “organize and conduct terrorist activities,” though it presented no public evidence to support this claim. The block on Snapchat was quietly implemented on October 10 but only officially confirmed this week. This action is part of a much broader, long-term strategy under President Vladimir Putin to control the internet.

The list of platforms facing restrictions in Russia has grown steadily and includes:

• Meta's Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp
• Google's YouTube
• Telegram and Signal
• X (formerly Twitter)

Authorities have perfected methods ranging from outright bans to “throttling,” or deliberately slowing down services to make them unusable. While some Russians use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass these blocks, the state is actively working to shut those down too.

Echoes for Kenya: A Precedent for Control

While Moscow is thousands of miles away, the precedent it sets is dangerously relevant. In recent years, several African nations, including Kenya, have experienced internet disruptions or platform blocks, often during sensitive periods like elections or national protests. Digital rights groups have consistently warned that such shutdowns are a violation of freedom of expression and access to information.

For the Kenyan diaspora, including those with family or business in Russia, the shutdown of popular communication apps severs a vital lifeline. Recent reports have also highlighted the plight of hundreds of Kenyans allegedly lured to Russia with promises of work, only to find themselves in vulnerable situations, making open communication lines more critical than ever.

This move by a global power normalizes the idea that a state can unilaterally decide which digital doors remain open and which are slammed shut. As Kenya continues to navigate its own digital future, the events in Russia underscore the critical importance of safeguarding the principles of a free and open internet for all.