TikTok Bans RT and Sputnik Accounts

TikTok has permanently banned the accounts of Russian state media outlets RT and Sputnik for engaging in 'covert influence operations,' particularly ahead of the 2024 U.S. election. The removals follow similar actions by social media giants Meta and YouTube, as well as recent U.S. sanctions against these outlets. TikTok cited violations of its community guidelines and a commitment to prevent misinformation and foreign interference. The affected accounts were already restricted in the EU and UK and marked as state-controlled media globally. This action is part of broader efforts by tech companies to curb foreign influence on their platforms. RT and Sputnik criticized the bans, with Russian officials denouncing them as acts of aggression and censorship.