The process is seen as a reaction to the Meta’s position of loosening the moderation of messages aimed at the Russian army and leaders; company did not manifest
The tumultuous relationship between Russia and Meta has gained a new chapter. A Moscow court on Monday banned the social networks Facebook and Instagram in the country, on the grounds that the platforms carry out “extremist” activities, according to Russian media agencies.
In the decision, the judge said that the court was complying with the request of the “Prosecutor to ban the activities of the company Meta.” WhatsApp is out of the decision.
According to the Interfax agency, a spokesman for the Russian Security Services (FSB) also demanded that the platforms be blocked. “The activities of Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) are directed against Russia and its Armed Forces. We demand its ban and the obligation to apply this measure immediately”, declared Igor Kovalevski.
The process that led to the decision began as a reaction by the Russian Attorney General’s Office to the Meta’s positioning of loosening the policy of moderation of messages when directed at the Russian army and leaders.
The action also demonstrates the intensification of Moscow’s policy of repression against social platforms and the media, as a way of trying to control the narrative about the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sought, Meta informed that it will not comment on the matter.
