Meta, the business that created Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, Meta, has firmly opposed Russian state media. In a significant move, Meta has globally banned accounts connected to Russian state networks, including RT (formerly Russia Today), Rossiya Segodnya, and Sputnik. This decision, announced on Monday, is part of ongoing efforts to combat foreign interference and disinformation campaigns.
Meta’s Decision: What’s Behind the Ban?
Meta’s decision to ban Russian state media accounts was not made lightly. The company stated that this move came after careful consideration. Meta had already restricted the activities of these outlets, but with the recent ban, it has escalated its enforcement. “Meta is censoring information flow to the rest of the world,” an RT spokeswoman declared.
In a statement, Meta explained, “We expanded our ongoing enforcement against Russian state media outlets.” The ban will affect platforms like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Threads, making it impossible for these accounts to operate globally. According to Meta, the decision is a response to concerns over foreign interference, particularly surrounding misinformation campaigns.
The banned entities include RT, Rossiya Segodnya, Sputnik, and RIA Novosti. Rossiya Segodnya, in particular, manages several prominent news brands and has been at the forefront of Russian state media’s global outreach.
Russian Response: Defiance and Denial
Despite Meta’s global ban, Russian state media is not backing down. RT, in a response to the ban, accused Meta of censorship. A spokesperson for RT stated, “Meta is censoring information flow to the rest of the world.”
RT’s defiance did not stop there. The spokesperson suggested that their organization would continue finding ways to reach audiences. This suggests that Russian state media might seek alternative methods to bypass the bans and continue spreading their content.
The Kremlin also voiced its disapproval. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Russian government, criticized Meta’s decision, calling it “unacceptable.” He argued that these actions were selective and unfairly targeted Russian media. Peskov added that this move complicates the possibility of normalising relations between Moscow and Meta.
Accusations of Election Interference
One of the driving factors behind Meta’s ban is the ongoing concern over Russian disinformation campaigns. Two RT staffers were charged with money laundering earlier this month by the US government. US officials allege that these employees hired an American company to produce content aimed at influencing the 2024 election. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also weighed in on the issue. He urged countries to treat Russian state broadcasters like covert intelligence operations.
The United States has been actively combating these disinformation campaigns. In July, the US Department of Justice shut down nearly 1,000 social media bot accounts linked to RT. These bot accounts were allegedly created to spread Russian disinformation within the US.
Russian State Media: Dismissing the Allegations
Despite the mounting accusations, RT continues to downplay the seriousness of the charges. When asked about the allegations related to disinformation and bot accounts, RT responded with sarcasm. Rossiya Segodnya, another Russian state media entity, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Meta’s ban.
Meta’s Broader Strategy
Meta’s ban on Russian state media is part of a larger strategy aimed at curbing disinformation. The company has been under pressure to take stronger action against foreign interference, especially as the 2024 US elections approach.
By blocking accounts associated with Russian state media, Meta aims to reduce the spread of disinformation across its platforms. However, the ban is likely to further strain relations between Moscow and the tech giant. For now, Russian state media may explore alternative ways to reach global audiences. But Meta’s actions signal a firm stance against disinformation campaigns.