The Russian government stated Friday that, a week after imposing limited limitations on Facebook, it will begin blocking the social media platform entirely throughout the nation.
In its decision to block access to the world’s largest social platform, Russia’s internet regulatory agency Roskomnadzor cited “26 cases of discrimination against Russian media and information resources,” echoing previous complaints that the company imposed restrictions on state-affiliated media outlets.
“In recent days, the social network has restricted access to accounts: the Zvezda TV channel, the RIA Novosti news agency, Sputnik, Russia Today, the Lenta.ru and Gazeta.ru information resources,” the Russian agency wrote.
On the Russian government’s decision to block access to Facebook in the Russian Federation: pic.twitter.com/JlJwIu1t9K
— Nick Clegg (@nickclegg) March 4, 2022
“The above restrictions are prohibited by Federal Law No. 272-FZ ‘On measures to influence persons involved in violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms, the rights and freedoms of citizens of the Russian Federation,’ adopted, among other things, to prevent violations of the key principles of the free flow of information and unhindered access Russian users to Russian media on foreign Internet platforms.”
Meta President of the United Nations Former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg issued a statement on Friday in response to Russia’s declaration.
Meta stated earlier this week that it will limit the reach of Russian state-linked media on Facebook and Instagram, making it more difficult for those accounts to distribute government-sanctioned propaganda.
The Russian government’s Facebook ban comes as domestic protests against the country’s brutal invasion of Ukraine gather pace.
Posted by Next Big Brand on Friday, March 4, 2022
In response to the rising dissent, Russia’s parliament passed new law on Friday that imposes harsh penalties on anyone found distributing “false” information about the country’s involvement in Ukraine, including long prison sentences of up to 15 years.
Moscow has blocked Youtube along with Twitter and Facebook in the country amid the Russo-Ukraine war. These social media platforms are accused of adopting a discriminatory attitude towards Russian companies. At the same time, in a statement issued by Facebook, it has been said that Russia has deprived people of reliable information with its decision.
