Big Tech restricts Russian state-backed media, reducing access to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok

  • Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, ByteDance and others are restricting Russian state-backed media such as RT and Sputnik across their platforms
  • The European Union is also expected to approve a ban on such media, which will apply to broadcasters and internet platforms

The RT app seen on a smartphone in front of the RT and Sputnik logos in this illustration taken February 28, 2022. Photo: Reuters

YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are restricting state-owned Russian media channels ahead of a likely European Union ban, aiming to curtail propaganda during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The EU announced a ban Sunday, which countries are expected to sign off on today after a formal proposal. In the meantime, YouTube owner Alphabet, Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc and TikTok owner ByteDance Ltd have already restricted access to accounts run by Sputnik and Russia Today in the EU.
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