Ban on Meta from Russian-backed media

Meta (META.O) announced on Monday that it has banned RT, Rossiya Segodnya, and other Russian state media networks from its platforms. The company stated that this step was taken after these media organizations were accused of conducting online covert influence operations and using deceptive tactics.

META'S BIGGEST MEASURE TAKEN

This ban is said to be the strongest measure taken by Meta against Russian state media. Previously, Meta had only taken limited steps such as blocking the advertisements of these media organizations and restricting their access. However, this new measure includes not only RT and Rossiya Segodnya but also other related organizations and will be implemented globally. Meta's move will be effective on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. The ban is expected to come into effect in the coming days. The Russian embassy and the White House have not yet commented on the matter.

STATEMENT CAME AFTER TWO INCIDENTS

Meta's announcement came after the disclosure of money laundering charges against two RT employees in the United States and the revelation of plans to collaborate with an American company to influence the 2024 elections. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had stated that countries need to take further measures against Russian state broadcaster RT's efforts to conceal intelligence operations. RT, on the other hand, interpreted these actions by the US as an attempt to hinder the broadcaster's journalistic activities.