Meta Bans Russian State Media Platforms from Social Media

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has implemented a global ban on RT and other Russian state-affiliated media platforms. This decision comes in response to the alleged involvement of these outlets in foreign interference operations. Meta’s enforcement will extend across its entire ecosystem, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.

The move follows recent sanctions imposed by the Biden administration against RT and other Moscow-controlled media entities, which have been accused of acting as extensions of Russia’s intelligence operations. This ban means that these platforms no longer have an active presence on Meta platforms, including a number of major social media platforms.

The U.S. Department of Justice recently indicted two RT employees for their alleged involvement in covertly funding a U.S.-based right-wing media outlet to stoke political divisions. Meta’s ban is part of a broader effort by the U.S. to curb the influence of Russian state-backed media on global platforms, something that has been heavily supported by a number of major figures within the U.S. political system.

Before the ban, RT had amassed 7.2 million followers on Facebook. The outlet has yet to issue a formal response.