Social media giant Meta has announced that it is banning Russian media outlet RT globally due to accusations of acting as an arm of Moscow’s spy agencies. The decision comes after the Biden administration imposed sanctions on RT and accused it of being a part of Russia’s intelligence apparatus and conducting covert information warfare operations around the world.
James Rubin, from the State Department’s Global Engagement Center, stated that RT spreads propaganda, disinformation, and lies to millions of people globally. US officials allege that RT operates covertly in various countries, such as Africa, Germany, and France. The Biden administration is imposing sanctions on state-funded broadcasters overseeing RT and other state media companies.
The US has previously accused Russia of interfering in US elections, including cybercrimes intended to influence the 2016 election. Russia has denied these allegations. Meta had started limiting Russian state-controlled media two years ago, and the ban on RT will be rolled out in the next few days on Meta-owned apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.
Overall, Meta’s decision to ban RT globally reflects growing concerns over Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The move highlights the continuing tensions between the US and Russia over issues of foreign interference in elections and information warfare.
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