Russia has blocked Apple's video-calling app FaceTime , the state communications watchdog said Thursday, just a day after blocking the U.S. children's gaming platform Roblox.

Both restrictions are part of an accelerating clampdown on foreign tech platforms: In the case of FaceTime, Russian authorities allege it is being used for criminal activity, while Roblox was accused of distributing extremist materials and "LGBT propaganda."

The move follows restrictions against Google's YouTube, Meta's WhatsApp and the Telegram messaging service.

Critics say the curbs amount to censorship and a tightening of state control over private communications. Russia says they are legitimate law enforcement measures. Russia n authorities have this year launched a state-backed rival app called

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