Meta Blocks Russia’s RT on Instagram and Facebook Amid Foreign Interference Concerns
Meta Platforms has taken decisive action by removing Russia's state-backed TV channel RT from Instagram and Facebook, citing concerns over Kremlin-backed foreign interference activities aimed at influencing public opinion.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Meta Platforms has removed Russian state-owned channel RT from its social media apps, including Instagram and Facebook, due to alleged foreign interference by Kremlin-backed sources.
- The move follows U.S. government sanctions targeting RT for covert influence operations.
- U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken accused RT of undermining American elections and acting as an extension of Russia's intelligence apparatus.
Meta Platforms has officially banned Russia’s RT from its apps such as Instagram and Facebook, citing concerns over "foreign interference activity" linked to Kremlin-backed operations, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The company stated that Russia is attempting to leverage social media platforms to sway public opinion, a move that coincides with recent U.S. government sanctions against the state-owned broadcaster.
U.S. Officials Condemn RT's Influence on Elections
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken denounced RT and similar outlets for engaging in covert influence campaigns aimed at destabilizing American democratic processes, describing them as functioning like a de facto arm of Russian intelligence.
Before the ban, RT’s Facebook and Instagram pages had amassed over 7.3 million and 1.1 million followers respectively, according to cached Google search data cited by The Wall Street Journal.
Meta has not yet responded to requests for comment from media outlets.
Meta's stock price saw a modest increase of less than 1% shortly before market opening on Tuesday, contributing to an overall 50% gain this year.
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