Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has announced a global ban on Russian state media outlets, including RT (Russia Today) and its related entities, citing concerns over foreign interference. This move follows recent U.S. sanctions targeting RT’s parent organizations, Rossiya Segodnya and TV-Novosti, which were accused of functioning as part of Moscow’s intelligence operations.
Meta stated that the ban was implemented due to RT’s involvement in covert influence activities and its role in spreading propaganda and disinformation. This action expands on previous restrictions that had already limited RT’s reach in Europe.
RT responded to the ban by suggesting that it would find alternative ways to operate and criticize Meta’s actions as detrimental to its own credibility. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the ban, calling it “very negative” and a hindrance to improving relations between Russia and Meta.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously accused RT of supporting Russian military efforts in Ukraine and coordinating covert influence operations aimed at undermining democratic processes. The sanctions imposed on RT’s parent companies also target efforts to influence elections in Moldova and other countries.
This latest development is part of a broader effort by Western countries and tech platforms to counteract Russian disinformation campaigns and protect democratic processes, particularly in the context of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Meta’s actions follow similar steps by YouTube and TikTok, which have also restricted Russian state media content.
For further details, U.S. intelligence officials have flagged Russian covert operations as a significant threat in the upcoming elections, and recent indictments against RT employees reflect ongoing concerns about foreign interference.