Tue Sep 17 14:23:19 UTC 2024: ## Meta Bans Russia State Media from Platforms, Citing Propaganda and Deceptive Tactics

**LONDON** – Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, announced it will ban Russian state media organizations, including RT and Rossiya Segodnya, from its platforms globally. The company cited deceptive tactics used by these outlets to amplify Moscow’s propaganda and engage in foreign interference.

The ban, which will be implemented over the next few days, is the latest escalation in Meta’s efforts to counter Russia’s online influence operations.

The move sparked immediate condemnation from the Kremlin. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the ban “unacceptable” and a form of self-discrediting by Meta. He also suggested that it could complicate future relations between the two entities.

RT, formerly known as Russia Today, responded with a statement claiming that the ban is a “competition” in the West to suppress its voice. Rossiya Segodnya, the parent company of state news agency RIA Novosti and Sputnik, did not comment.

Meta’s action follows recent US sanctions against RT, accusing the outlet of being a key component of Russia’s war machine and its efforts to undermine democratic adversaries. US officials allege that RT is working closely with the Russian military and fundraising for equipment for soldiers in Ukraine. They also accused RT websites of masquerading as legitimate news sources to spread disinformation and propaganda globally.

This ban comes on top of previous measures taken by Meta to limit Moscow’s online reach. Since 2020, the company has been labeling posts and content from state media. In 2022, Meta blocked state media advertising and downranked their content. In response, Russia designated Meta as an extremist organization in March 2022 and blocked Facebook and Instagram within the country.

Despite the bans, Meta and Facebook platforms remain popular in Russia and accessible via virtual private networks.

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