“Your entire information will be permanently deleted”: Meta deletes all RT accounts

“Your entire information will be permanently deleted” - Meta has deleted all RT accounts on Instagram and Facebook, without the possibility of restoring them or appealing the decision, reported the Russian media outlet. Reuters reminds that in previous years, Meta took more limited measures, such as blocking advertisements and reducing the accessibility of these media's publications.

“After careful consideration, we have expanded our existing measures against Russian state media. Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and other associated organizations are now blocked on our platforms worldwide due to activities related to foreign interference,” Meta stated in a written announcement. The company noted that the enforcement of the ban will begin in the coming days. In addition to Facebook, Meta's apps include Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.

The Russian embassy has not responded to Reuters' inquiries for comment on the matter, nor has the White House.

In early September, the United States charged two RT employees with money laundering. According to officials, they were planning to hire an American company to produce online content to influence the 2024 elections.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on September 13 that countries should treat the activities of the Russian state-run RT television channel as if they were covert intelligence operations. RT condemned the actions of the U.S., stating that Washington is attempting to curb the broadcaster's activities as a journalistic organization. In materials provided to Reuters, Meta stated that it has noticed that Russian state media have previously attempted to avoid revealing their online activities, and the company expects them to continue employing deceptive methods in the future.