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 On Tuesday, the Kremlin criticized Meta, the parent company of Facebook, for its decision to ban several Russian state media outlets, including RT and Rossiya Segodnya, from its platforms. According to Meta, the bans were implemented due to these outlets' involvement in covert online influence operations. This move represents a significant escalation in Meta's actions against Russian state media, which previously faced more limited restrictions such as ad bans and reduced post visibility.

Meta’s decision follows recent developments, including U.S. money-laundering charges against two RT employees for allegedly conspiring to influence the 2024 election through deceptive online content. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has compared the activities of RT to covert intelligence operations.

Meta's enforcement of the ban will be rolled out gradually across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. The Kremlin’s reaction underscores the growing tensions between Russia and major Western tech companies regarding the management of state-controlled media and influence operations online.

The Kremlin condemned Meta's decision to ban Russian state media outlets, including RT and Rossiya Segodnya, from its platforms. This action is part of Meta's broader strategy to combat what it describes as deceptive tactics and covert influence operations conducted by these outlets. Meta's ban extends across all its apps, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, and represents a major shift from its previous, more measured approach of limiting ad placements and reducing post visibility.

The move comes in the wake of recent developments, including U.S. charges against RT employees for allegedly engaging in money laundering to influence the 2024 U.S. elections. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested that RT's activities should be regarded similarly to covert intelligence operations.

Meta anticipates that Russian state-controlled media will continue to attempt to evade detection and engage in deceptive practices. The Kremlin's response highlights the growing friction between Russia and major tech companies over the handling of state media and online influence efforts.