Mon Sep 23 23:03:35 UTC 2024: ## TikTok Bans Accounts Linked to Russian State Media Outlets RT and Sputnik
**SAN FRANCISCO, CA** – TikTok announced Monday it has removed accounts associated with Russian state media outlets RT and Sputnik, citing violations of its community guidelines, specifically its ban on deceptive behavior. The move comes as the Biden administration accuses RT of acting as an arm of Moscow’s spy agencies, echoing similar sentiments expressed by other tech companies.
TikTok stated that accounts associated with TV-Novosti and Rossiya Segodnya, the parent organizations of RT and Sputnik respectively, have been permanently banned. The platform had already taken steps to restrict the visibility of these accounts in the European Union and the United Kingdom, rendering their content ineligible for the “For You” feed.
This action follows a recent pattern of social media platforms cracking down on Russian state media. Meta and YouTube have also suspended accounts belonging to RT and Sputnik, citing similar concerns about their activities. However, other platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have not taken similar measures.
RT and Sputnik have both claimed their accounts were deleted without explanation, highlighting their frustration with the restrictions. They assert that their audiences are now denied access to their content, particularly regarding geopolitical issues and commentary on Western politics.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has publicly stated his belief that Russian outlets like RT have transitioned from traditional media entities to covert intelligence operations. Federal prosecutors have recently charged two RT employees with running a $10 million project aimed at amplifying Russia-aligned narratives while concealing the source of funding.
Margarita Simonyan, RT’s editor-in-chief, has dismissed these accusations, calling the organization a “normal journalist organization” and vowing to continue its work in the US. She has even stated their intention to circumvent restrictions, comparing it to finding alternative entry points into a building.
In addition to the removal of RT and Sputnik accounts, TikTok also revealed that it removed five other covert influence operations in August. One of these networks, with 3.8 million followers across eight accounts, targeted discourse surrounding Russia. Two other networks focused on political discourse in Mexico.
The ban on RT and Sputnik accounts underscores the increasing scrutiny and challenges faced by social media platforms in managing content and combating misinformation, especially in the context of geopolitical tensions.
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