Fact Checking

Meta Bans Russian State Media from Its Platforms

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Meta announced a global ban on RT, Rossiya Segodnya, and other Russian state media from its platforms, citing covert influence operations. The move escalates Meta’s actions against Russian media, including blocking ads and limiting reach.

“After careful consideration, we expanded our ongoing enforcement against Russian state media outlets. Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and other related entities are now banned from our apps globally for foreign interference activity,” Meta stated.

Over the coming days, the ban will be implemented across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the ban, saying, “Meta is discrediting itself with these actions. Such selective actions against Russian media are unacceptable… This complicates prospects for normalizing our relations with Meta.”

Russia declared Meta an “extremist” organization in 2022 after it adjusted its hate speech policies in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, allowing users to express anger against Russia. As a result, Russia blocked Instagram and Facebook.