Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced that it has banned Russian news channel RT (formerly Russia Today), Rossiya Segodnya, and other Russian state media networks from all its platforms. The company cited the use of deceptive tactics by these outlets to conduct covert online influence operations, according to a report by Reuters.
This move represents a significant escalation in Meta’s efforts to curb Russian state media activity after years of more limited actions, such as restricting their ability to run ads and reducing the reach of their content.
“After careful consideration, we expanded our enforcement against Russian state media outlets. Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and other related entities are now banned globally from our apps for engaging in foreign interference activity,” Meta stated. The rollout of the ban will take place over the coming days across Meta’s platforms, which include Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov strongly criticized the decision, calling it “unacceptable” and accusing Meta of discrediting itself. He added that the move would further complicate Russia’s prospects of normalizing relations with the company.
Russia had previously branded Meta as an “extremist” organization in 2022 after it altered its hate speech policies to allow expressions of anger over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In response, Moscow blocked Facebook and Instagram. However, WhatsApp remains widely used in Russia, and Meta’s recent ban may limit Russian media’s access to the global audience without significantly impacting domestic users.
In addition to Meta, other platforms such as YouTube have also faced pressure from Russia for blocking state media content. Russian alternatives like VK Video continue to operate, providing local substitutes for global social media.
The White House declined to comment on Meta’s decision, which follows the United States’ recent money-laundering charges against two RT employees, accusing them of attempting to influence the 2024 US election. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that Russian state broadcaster RT’s activities should be treated similarly to covert intelligence operations.
RT has ridiculed the US actions, accusing the United States of attempting to undermine its role as a legitimate journalistic organization. Meta, meanwhile, expects continued attempts by Russian state-controlled media to evade detection and engage in further deceptive practices.