Meta, the American tech giant that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced a global ban on Russian state-controlled media outlets on its platforms.
A Global Extension of Russian Intellegence
This move is part of an effort to prevent foreign interference, following growing concerns about Russian media’s role in global destabilization.
The ban specifically targets prominent outlets such as Rossia Segodnya, RT, and related entities. Meta’s decision comes on the heels of comments by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who criticized RT, calling it a “global extension” of Russian intelligence services, according to Ziare.
“We have expanded our actions against Russian state-controlled media,” Meta stated in response to an inquiry from AFP. The company emphasized that the ban applies worldwide due to the media outlets’ involvement in foreign interference campaigns.
Russia Responds with Sarcasm
The U.S. government has been ramping up its actions against Russian influence, recently unveiling criminal charges and sanctions aimed at curbing the activities of Russian media. This includes visa restrictions placed on individuals connected to RT and other state-controlled outlets.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, responded to the U.S. measures with sarcasm, suggesting that the U.S. should create a new job title: "Russia Sanctions Specialist."
RT, launched in 2005, has long been viewed by the West as a propaganda arm of the Kremlin. The network broadcasts in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Arabic, and has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years.
