Meta, owner of Facebook, announced a global ban on Russian state media networks, including Rossiya Segodnya (Russia Today RT), on Monday, Reuters said.
Meta claims the ban was enacted due to deceptive tactics used by these outlets to carry out covert influence operations online.
This decision marks a sharp escalation following years of limited actions such as blocking Russian media from running ads and limiting their post reach.
In a written statement, Meta explained that the ban affects all its platforms, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.
Meta’s enforcement of this global ban will roll out over the next few days, according to the company’s statement.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Meta’s decision, stating that it discredits the company and complicates relations.
The company’s decision “is an outright discrediting of Meta [itself].” “Such selective actions with regard to Russian media are unacceptable. We treat this very negatively,” he said.
Peskov called the selective actions against Russian media outlets unacceptable during a statement to reporters on Tuesday.