International News: Russia adds Meta to list of extremist organizations

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Russian authorities have added Meta- the parent company of Facebook and Instagram to a list of extremist organizations, BBC reports.

In March, the 2 social media platforms were banned in Russia for “Russophobia”.

The announcement followed Meta’s decision to allow posts such as “death to Russian invaders” but not credible threats against civilians.

Meta appealed the ban but it was upheld by a Moscow court in June.

The ban does not apply to Whatsapp, which is also owned by Meta.

Meta has since denied accusations that it promotes anti-Russian sentiments.

Meta had said that it was making a temporary exception to its normal policies, “in light of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine”, to allow those affected to “express violent sentiments towards invading armed forces”.

According to reports, Instagram’s use is widespread in Russia but the new official “terrorist” designation could change that since it could suggest that it is a criminal offense to use Instagram, even via a VPN.

The addition of Meta to this list also means that it would cut citizens off from the outside world in a profound way since Twitter has also been restricted in Russia.

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