In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, the Biden administration has focused on cracking down on Russian information operations. Recently, the Department of Justice revealed an indictment against two RT employees, a Russian state-backed news network previously known as Russia Today. The indictment centered around Tenet Media, a company that promoted content from right-wing influencers. Prosecutors allege that Tenet was mainly funded by RT, with its employees being involved in editing, posting, and directing content. However, individual influencers deny knowledge of the company’s ties to Russia.
Following this development, Meta made a significant announcement that it would ban RT and other Russian state-backed media outlets from its platforms. Additionally, YouTube took action by removing over 230 channels linked to Russian-backed media. These decisions came after the US State Department imposed sanctions on Russian state media for spreading disinformation about the Ukraine war and supporting a crowdfunding campaign for the Russian military invasion.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Russian-backed media outlets like RT are not only undermining democracy in the US but also interfering in the affairs of countries worldwide. The ban on RT by Meta is seen as a significant blow to the spread of Russian propaganda, according to Samuel Woolley, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
While RT has faced setbacks in the US, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, experts believe that the impact of sanctions and deplatforming may not fully curtail the outlet’s reach. RT has established a strong presence in other parts of the world, such as Africa and Latin America, where it remains popular. The outlet caters to a diverse audience by offering services in various languages like Spanish, French, German, and Arabic.
In Latin America, RT’s channels broadcast around the clock and reported a viewership of 18 million in 2018. Similarly, African Stream, another Russian-backed media outlet, gained 460,000 followers on YouTube during its brief existence. Woolley highlights that in less competitive media markets, Russian media’s influence can be more pronounced, especially when focusing on anti-Western narratives.
Despite being banned from social platforms in the US, Russian state media may continue to spread its messages through covert means, leveraging relationships with influencers and local publications. Russian media outlets have also nurtured local influencers who align with their narratives, contributing to the dissemination of their content.
The ban imposed by the US could potentially enhance Russian media’s image in regions where it strives to establish itself as a trusted source of information. By promoting anti-imperialist narratives and criticizing Western powers, Russian media aims to appeal to audiences skeptical of the US and its global influence.
Although Meta’s ban affected the dissemination of Russian state media content on its platforms, these outlets have found alternative avenues to reach audiences, such as right-wing video sharing platforms and Russian YouTube alternatives. Despite facing restrictions, Russian media continues to adapt and maintain its presence across various digital platforms worldwide.
