Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, announced on Monday a global ban on Russian state media outlets RT and Rossiya Segodnya. The company cited the outlets’ use of deceptive tactics to conduct influence operations and evade detection on its platforms.
The ban represents a significant escalation in Meta’s efforts against Russian state media, following previous actions such as blocking ads and limiting post visibility. This decision comes in the wake of recent US money-laundering charges against two RT employees, who were accused of using a US company to produce content intended to sway the 2024 election.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also announced new sanctions against RT and related entities, accusing them of operating as an arm of Russia’s intelligence services. Blinken highlighted RT’s alleged involvement in disinformation campaigns, weapon procurement, and efforts to destabilize democracies, including interference in Moldova’s upcoming elections.
The sanctions and Meta’s ban reflect growing international concern over Russian efforts to influence global politics through state media and covert operations.