According to Reuters, Meta Platforms has blocked Russian state media networks such as Rossiya Segodnya, RT, etc. on its platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads on the grounds that these media outlets are suspected of using “deceptive means” to influence online audiences.
The report said Meta claimed that Russian state media “used deceptive tactics to carry out covert influence operations online.”
ban
“After careful consideration, we have expanded our ongoing enforcement efforts against Russian state media. Russia Today, RT, and other associated entities are now banned from our apps globally for foreign interference activities,” the social media company said in a written statement.
The company said the ban would be implemented in the coming days. In addition to Facebook, Meta’s apps include Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads.
The Russian embassy did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The ban marks a sharp escalation in the world’s largest social media company’s campaign against Russian state media after years of taking more limited measures such as blocking them from advertising and reducing the reach of their posts.
Earlier this month, the United States filed money laundering charges against two RT employees who officials said were suspected of hiring a U.S. company to produce online content to influence the 2024 election.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday that countries should treat the activities of Russian state broadcaster RT as a covert intelligence operation.
RT mocked the US action and accused it of trying to stop the broadcaster from operating as a news organization.
Meta said in briefing materials shared with Reuters that it had found that Russian state media had attempted to evade detection of their online activities in the past and expected they would continue to try to engage in deceptive behavior in the future.
(Source: Reuters)
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