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| YouTube blocks Russian news channels RT and Sputnik |
YouTube has banned Russian news channels RT and Sputnik in Europe in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Alphabet-owned company confirmed the news via Twitter, saying that its systems may take some time to become fully functional and continue to monitor the situation around the clock to take immediate action.
This is the latest example of online platforms blocking Russian media in response to the war. Meta has banned RT and Sputnik on Instagram and Facebook after receiving requests from several EU governments. Tik Tok has also banned both channels.
YouTube blocks these channels from monetizing ads through its platform and restricts access to these channels in Ukraine itself.
Russia's invasion of its neighbor sparked a media war across various channels on the internet, with reports from both sides and photos and videos shared by citizens and soldiers on the front lines.
Several European countries have urged the platforms to do more to stop the spread of Russian disinformation.
The leaders of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia said in an open letter that Google, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter have become extensions of Russian aggression, allowing Russian state media to continue operating on those platforms.
YouTube keeps pace with Facebook and Instagram
The letter reads: “Despite the platform’s massive endeavors to counter the unprecedented attack on truth by the Russian government. But this is not enough. Russian disinformation has been tolerated on all platforms for years. Russian disinformation has become a part of the Russian government.” War of aggression and crimes against Ukraine and the free world.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU had blocked the Kremlin's information mechanism.
"Public companies RT, Sputnik and their affiliates will not be able to spread lies to justify Putin's war. We are developing tools to stop toxic and harmful disinformation in Europe," von der Leyen added.
In response, Russia has also blocked or restricted access to some US technology platforms. Including Twitter and Facebook.
Russia's technology and communications monitoring agency, Roskomnadzor, has accused Facebook of violating the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens.