End-to-end encryption is one of the technologies particularly appreciated by email users. The communication system ensures that their messages are only readable on the devices that send and receive them. It is precisely end-to-end encryption that could lead to WhatsApp being banned in Russia. The Kremlin asks Meta to delete it so that it continues to distribute its app in the territory.
Apple is not in the Russian government’s sights. FaceTime has just been blocked, but iMessage, one of the most secure messengers in the world, surprisingly slips through the cracks. There is a good reason for this.
FaceTime banned in Russia, iMessages spared thanks to APN?
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, took its first strong action against Apple last week: blocking FaceTime. “ According to law enforcement agencies, FaceTime is used to organize and carry out terrorist attacks in the country, recruit criminal perpetrators, and commit fraud and other crimes against Russian citizens. », Roskomnadzor then argued, without mentioning any evidence.
Why does iMessage slip through the drops? Programmer and blogger John Gruber and Mastodon user Magebarf discussed it online. “ Isn’t iMessage traffic always merged on the same endpoint as push notifications? So if one deleted iMessage, all remote push notifications to iPhone would immediately stop working. », says Magebarf.
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So, blocking iMessage would mean preventing Apple Push Notification from working, muting all iOS notifications. Moreover, Apple itself indeed explains this link between iMessage and APN on its official website. Does this firewall prevent the Russian government from taking action against the Apple brand’s messaging? We cannot yet say this. Regardless, the Kremlin continues to encourage people to use Max, developed by VKontakte.
By: Keleops AG
