Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced a ban on Russian state media outlets, including RT, citing their alleged involvement in foreign interference activities. This ban will be implemented across all Meta platforms globally, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.
This announcement comes shortly after the United States government unveiled sanctions against RT and other media outlets controlled by the Russian government. The Biden administration has also launched a diplomatic campaign to alert the international community to RT’s alleged role as a part of Russia’s intelligence apparatus.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of countering Russia’s misinformation with truth and shining a light on their actions. The US Department of Justice had recently indicted two RT employees for allegedly secretly funding a right-wing media company in Tennessee to sow political divisions.
RT, which had millions of followers on Facebook prior to the ban, has not yet responded to the announcement. However, they have previously mocked US actions targeting them, claiming they are unfazed by the indictments and sanctions.
The ban on Russian state media by Meta is seen as a proactive step to combat disinformation and foreign interference. It reflects growing concerns about the influence and impact of these outlets on social media platforms.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
