Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has made the decision to ban Russian state media outlets including RT, citing their alleged involvement in foreign interference activities. This ban will be implemented globally on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. The announcement comes shortly after the US government unveiled sanctions against RT and other media outlets that are backed by Moscow.
The Biden administration has also launched a diplomatic effort to inform the international community about RT’s role as a “fully fledged member of the intelligence apparatus.” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of revealing the truth to counter Russia’s misinformation campaigns.
The US Department of Justice recently indicted two RT employees for allegedly funding a right-wing media company in Tennessee in order to sow political divisions. Despite having millions of followers on Facebook, RT has not yet responded to the ban but has previously made light of US actions against them.
Meta’s ban on Russian state media is in line with increased efforts by tech companies to combat disinformation and foreign interference on their platforms. The move has sparked discussion about censorship and the balance between free speech and preventing the spread of harmful propaganda. The ban is seen as a significant step in holding media outlets accountable for their involvement in spreading misinformation and manipulating public opinion.
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