Meta has banned Russian state media outlets from its apps globally, citing “foreign interference activity.” This ban includes outlets like Rossiya Segodnya and RT. The move comes after the US accused RT of covertly funding influence campaigns via social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. RT faces restrictions in several countries due to sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Secret content backing
Covert projects funded by Russia involved online content creation companies to influence Western audiences. The US cited an operation in Tennessee that posted videos on YouTube without disclosing RT’s funding. Prosecutors argue that RT aimed to weaken opposition to Russian objectives by sowing divisions through influence campaigns.
Proxies and mercenaries
Russia’s covert influence operations on Meta’s platform have increased post-Ukraine invasion. The State Department disclosed that RT’s operations feed information to Russia’s intelligence services and other proxies, impacting global affairs. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to counter Russian interference activities.
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