Meta bans Russian state media outlet RT ahead of US election

Social media giant Meta has intensified its efforts to curb Russian state propaganda, banning Russian media outlet RT globally just seven weeks before the US presidential election.

RT, formerly known as Russia Today, along with several affiliated organizations, will no longer be allowed on Meta's platforms, the company announced late Monday.

Meta-owned companies include WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.

RT had already been blocked in the European Union since spring 2022 due to disinformation campaigns related to the Russian war in Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused RT on Friday of seeking to "meddle in the sovereign affairs of countries around the world."

New information showed that RT "possess cyber capabilities and engaged in covert information and influence operations and military procurement," he added.

The administration in Washington accused Russia of interfering in the US presidential election campaign. Similar accusations had been made in previous elections.

The US imposed sanctions on several individuals and organizations, including representatives of RT, last week.

Meta had already taken action against Russian state media after Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022, including curbing the distribution of its posts.

The company said Russia remains the biggest source of covert influence operations.

Meanwhile, RT accounts are still available in countries outside the EU on Elon Musk's social media platform X.