Government Moves to Crack Down on ‘Fake’ News and Retaliates Against Social Media Platforms
Russia has completely blocked access to Facebook in retaliation for the platform imposing restrictions on state-run media. In a further escalation, the Russian communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has also restricted access to Twitter. This move comes after Facebook and Instagram removed Russian state-backed news outlets, such as Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik, from their services in the European Union and the UK.
Roskomnadzor cited multiple instances of alleged discrimination against Russian media by Facebook since October 2020, including the blocking of outlets like RT and RIA. Initially, the regulator had imposed a “partial” block on Facebook, accusing the platform of violating the rights of Russian citizens.
Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, responded by emphasizing the impact on ordinary Russians, stating that the block would prevent them from accessing reliable information and hinder communication with loved ones. He vowed to continue efforts to restore the platforms, asserting that they are vital for free expression and communication.
