Meta restricts access to Russian state media

RT and Sputnik are part of Russia’s sprawling propaganda machine

The parent company of Facebook and Instagram says it is restricting access to Russia’s RT and Sputnik in Europe. Picture: PA

The parent company of Facebook and Instagram says it is restricting access to Russia’s RT and Sputnik in Europe over concerns the two state-controlled media outlets are being used to spread disinformation and propaganda.

Monday’s action by Menlo Park, California-based Meta came after its announcement over the weekend that it was banning ads from Russian state media and had removed a network of 40 fake accounts, pages and groups that published pro-Russian talking points.