Meta has taken decisive action against Russian state media by banning several Kremlin-controlled networks, including RT, from its platforms. This decision is part of a broader strategy to curb alleged foreign interference and deceptive influence operations.
In a recent statement, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, outlined that it has expanded its enforcement against Russian state media outlets. The company accused these entities of attempting to evade detection while engaging in misleading activities. Consequently, Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and related organisations have been banned globally from Meta’s apps, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.
The ban is set to be enforced in the coming days and represents an ongoing effort by Meta to limit the impact of Russian state-controlled media, a campaign that began in 2022. Before the ban, RT had amassed 7.2 million followers on Facebook and 1 million on Instagram.
This move follows recent allegations from the US accusing Russian media, particularly RT, of covertly influencing global audiences. Earlier this month, two RT employees faced charges in the US for money laundering. They are alleged to have planned to use an American company to produce material aimed at swaying the 2024 US presidential election.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged nations to treat RT similarly to covert intelligence operations. Additionally, James Rubin, coordinator of the State Department’s Global Engagement Center, criticised RT as a source of propaganda and disinformation.
RT has denounced these actions as attempts by the US to hinder its journalistic operations, arguing that the ban undermines its role in providing news and information.
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