Tue Sep 17 14:00:05 UTC 2024: ## Meta Bans Russian State Media Outlets for Influence Operations

**MENLO PARK, CA** – Facebook owner Meta has announced a global ban on RT, Rossiya Segodnya, and other Russian state-owned media outlets, citing their use of deceptive tactics to influence public opinion. The ban, which will be implemented over the coming days, applies to all of Meta’s platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.

Meta claims these outlets engaged in “foreign interference activity,” using misleading tactics to evade detection and spread propaganda. This marks a significant escalation from Meta’s previous actions, which included limiting the reach of their posts and barring them from running ads.

The ban comes on the heels of US accusations that RT employees were involved in a scheme to manipulate the 2024 election by hiring a US company to produce online content. The US has also imposed sanctions on Rossiya Segodnya and its executives, alleging that the organization functions as an arm of Russia’s intelligence apparatus and is responsible for disseminating disinformation campaigns worldwide.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken detailed numerous instances of RT’s activities, including crowdfunding weapons for Russian soldiers in Ukraine, targeting elections in Moldova, and attempting to incite unrest in other countries. Blinken stated that RT’s leadership has been directly involved in these operations, coordinating with the Kremlin to advance Russian interests.

The Russian embassy has not yet responded to Meta’s ban or the US’s allegations.

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