Russian state media banned on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp
Facebook owner Meta says it is banning several Russian state media networks, alleging they use deceptive tactics to carry out influence operations and evade detection on its platforms, BBC reports.
The ban comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday denounced the destabilizing activities of the Russian media outlet RT, including in the Republic of Moldova, which he said has turned into a "branch" of Russian secret services around the world.
"After careful consideration, we have expanded our action against Russian state media," Meta said in response to a request from AFP.
"Rossia Segodnia, RT and other related entities are now banned from our applications worldwide due to their external interference activities," the US company also stated.
About ten days ago, US authorities unveiled a series of measures, including criminal proceedings and sanctions, targeting Russian media in particular, in response to attempts to interfere in the US election, which they blame on Russia .
On Friday, the United States of America imposed new sanctions against three entities and two individuals from the Russian Federation, accused of involvement in destabilizing actions, including in the Republic of Moldova. These include support for fugitive oligarch Ilan Şor and interference in the presidential election and referendum this fall. In reaction, the Chisinau authorities mention that any sanctioning of attempts to undermine democracy and destabilizing external interference is welcome.
