In an alarming new censorship attempt, Russia claims to be blocking Facebook [META PRODUCT]
In addition to the more recent limits Facebook has put on Russian state media outlets, it highlighted 26 examples of “discrimination against Russian m
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications agency, stated on Friday that it is limiting access to Facebook in the country. In addition to the more recent limits Facebook has put on Russian state media outlets, it highlighted 26 examples of “discrimination against Russian media and information resources by Facebook” since October 2020.
“Soon millions of ordinary Russians will find themselves shut off from credible information, robbed of their normal methods of communicating with family and friends, and silenced from speaking up,” Meta president of global affairs Nick Clegg tweeted in reaction to the decision. We will continue to do everything we can to restore our services so that people may express themselves and organize for action in a safe and secure manner.”
The blockade comes as internal demonstrations over the country’s escalating invasion of Ukraine have become louder. Thousands of Russians have been arrested after taking to the streets in large numbers to oppose the military invasion. The leadership has denied any plans to impose martial rule but has continued to threaten media sources, including Wikipedia, who publish material critical of the current military effort.
Earlier on Friday, the Russian legislature passed new legislation prohibiting the dissemination of “false news” about the country’s military forces, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years. The BBC said that it will halt journalistic operations in the nation shortly after the measure was passed.
In Russia, several digital platforms have already begun to limit services. For example, YouTube, which is controlled by Google, has blocked Russian news stations RT and Sputnik in Europe, while Facebook has also restricted RT and Sputnik in the EU and ceased suggesting Russian official media internationally. In addition, Samsung has suspended product exports to Russia.
According to a recent UN refugee agency estimate, more than 1 million Ukrainians have fled the nation as a result of the invasion.
