Meta Bans Russian State Media Networks for Deceptive Tactics
In a bold move, Facebook owner Meta has announced the ban of several Russian state media networks, accusing them of using deceptive tactics to carry out influence operations and evade detection on its platforms.
The banned networks include Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and other related entities, with the ban set to take effect globally in the next few days.
Despite the announcement, the Russian embassy in Washington, broadcaster RT, and the owner of the Sputnik news agency, Rossiya Segodnya, have not responded to requests for comment from the BBC.
Russian state media outlets have faced increased scrutiny for their alleged attempts to influence politics in Western countries.
Meta, which also owns Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, has taken a strong stance against Russian state media companies, marking a significant escalation in its actions.
Previously, Meta had implemented limited measures to curb the spread of Russian state-controlled media, such as restricting advertising and content reach on its platforms.
Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Meta complied with requests from the EU, UK, and Ukraine to block some Russian state media in those regions.
Recent accusations from the US government have further intensified the scrutiny on Russian state broadcaster RT, with allegations of hidden Russian government messaging in content distributed to US audiences.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced new sanctions against RT, labeling it as a “de facto arm of Russia’s intelligence apparatus” and accusing it of undermining democracy in the United States.
Blinken also highlighted the presence of a unit with cyber operational capabilities and ties to Russian intelligence embedded within RT.
In response to the accusations, RT live-streamed Blinken’s remarks and dismissed them as the “US’s latest conspiracy theory”.
With tensions escalating between Meta and Russian state media, the ban on these networks represents a significant development in the ongoing battle against disinformation and foreign interference.
