Meta Bans Russian State Media from Its Platforms Globally

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced a worldwide ban on Russian state-controlled media outlets across its platforms, aiming to prevent foreign interference.

The decision comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the destabilizing activities of the Russian broadcaster RT, which he referred to as a “branch” of Russian intelligence services operating globally.

In response to a request from AFP, Meta stated, “After careful consideration, we have extended our actions against Russian state media. Rossia Segodnia, RT, and other affiliated entities are now banned from all our apps worldwide due to their involvement in foreign interference.”

This move follows a series of U.S. government measures aimed at curbing Russian interference in global affairs. Approximately ten days prior, U.S. authorities revealed a range of actions, including criminal proceedings and sanctions, particularly targeting Russian media. These actions were seen as a response to Russia’s alleged attempts to meddle in U.S. elections.

The U.S. State Department also implemented visa restrictions on employees of Russian media groups, including RT and Rossia Segodnia, among other affiliated companies.

Russia’s response came through Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry. In a statement posted on Telegram, she mockingly suggested that the U.S. should create a new job position called “Specialist in Sanctions Against Russia.”

RT, which was founded in 2005, has long been viewed by Western governments as a propaganda outlet for the Kremlin. Its website and television channels broadcast in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Arabic.

Key Takeaways:

• Meta has imposed a global ban on Russian state-controlled media, including RT and Rossia Segodnia, across all its platforms.
• The ban is part of a broader effort to prevent foreign interference, following U.S. accusations that these outlets serve as tools of Russian intelligence.
• The U.S. has introduced criminal charges, sanctions, and visa restrictions targeting Russian media entities in response to their involvement in election interference.
• RT, regarded as a Kremlin propaganda machine, broadcasts in various languages and has been the subject of widespread criticism in the West.