Meta Bans Russian State Media Worldwide

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has banned Russian state media outlets including RT and Rossiya Segodnya, alleging they engaged in deceptive influence operations and foreign interference activities. This action follows accusations by the U.S. government that RT operates as a covert intelligence arm of the Russian government, spreading propaganda and disinformation globally. Meta's decision also comes after the U.S. Justice Department charged two RT employees with funneling funds to influence the 2024 U.S. election. The ban will be enforced globally over the next several days. Russia has condemned the move, calling it an act of information warfare. Meta has previously restricted Russian state media access in Ukraine and faced legal repercussions in Russia for allowing anti-Russian sentiments on its platforms.