Meta bans RT, other Russian state media outlets over 'foreign interference activity'

Meta, the parent group of Facebook and Instagram, announced on Monday that it would be banning Russian state media outlets, including RT, Rossiya Segodnya and other affiliated networks, from its platforms. The company justified the ban by accusing these outlets of using deceptive tactics to conduct covert influence operations online.

This decision marks an escalation in Meta's approach to handling Russian state-controlled media, following years of more restrained measures like limiting their ability to run ads and reducing the reach of their posts.

Meta said in a written statement that it had expanded its enforcement against Russian state media entities "after careful consideration" due to concerns over "foreign interference activity." The ban will apply globally to all of its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads, and is expected to be implemented in the coming days.

The move follows recent actions by the U.S. government, including money-laundering charges filed earlier this month against two RT employees, accused of a scheme to hire an American company to create online content aimed at influencing the 2024 election. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also urged countries to treat RT in the same manner as covert intelligence operations.

RT has responded to these actions by mocking the U.S. measures and accusing the U.S. of attempting to prevent the broadcaster from operating as a journalistic organization. The Russian embassy did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment, while the White House also declined to comment.

In briefing materials shared with Reuters, Meta said it had observed Russian state-controlled media trying to evade detection in their online activities in the past. The company anticipates that these outlets will continue attempting to engage in deceptive practices going forward.

(With input from Reuters)