LOS ANGELES (KNX) — Social Media companies are making moves to block Russian disinformation as citizens work to get around the Kremlin-controlled media for accurate information. CNET's Laura Hautala joined KNX In Depth to discuss what’s changing with social media privileges overseas.
“We’re seeing a lot of actions, a lot of which started out with not letting state-affiliated media from Russia [monetize] their content. That was happening on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter,” Hautala said.
“And most recently Facebook and even Tiktok has taken moves to restrict the content from appearing, which is a big move for social media companies that have…in the past just tried to de-emphasize the content but still allow it to be posted.”
There are two specific outlets controlled by Russia, according to CNET — Sputnik and RT. Access to both has been restricted across the European Union by Facebook, YouTube, and other social networks as the companies work to make sure only accurate and truthful information is shared.
“So far the official line [os company employees] is in support of this move…I haven’t seen people taking to their personal accounts to criticize this or leaks coming out in that press of people not supporting these moves,” Hautala said.
“I’m guessing that there will be differing opinions because it is, you know, a change in the way that these companies have been approaching disinformation.”
Earlier this week, Google Europe shared updates on Twitter, saying that it would “block YouTube channels connected to RT and Sputnik across Europe,” according to CNET.
President of the European Union Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, echoed the sentiments from an international level — tweeting on Sunday that the EU was “developing tools to ban their toxic and harmful disinformation in Europe.”
After moves by Facebook to limit state-owned pages, Russia said it would restrict access to the platform altogether and that Meta was violating fundamental human rights by restricting the Russian media, CNET reported.
