In recent years, there has been much discussion about whether the Russian state-funded media outlet RT (formerly Russia Today) should be allowed to operate accounts and post content on Facebook and other social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube. While no definitive or permanent ban has been enforced yet, RT has faced various restrictions and sanctions on Western social media that limit its reach and visibility.
Quick Answers
Some quick answers to key questions on RT’s status on Facebook:
- Facebook has not completely banned or deleted RT’s accounts, but has imposed restrictions on advertising and monetization.
- In 2022, Facebook’s parent company Meta restricted access to RT and fellow Russian outlet Sputnik across the European Union.
- RT is still able to post content on its Facebook pages, but its reach and distribution is limited by Facebook’s algorithms.
- Facebook placed state-linked media outlets like RT under greater scrutiny following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Critics argue RT spreads pro-Kremlin disinformation and propaganda, while defenders claim banning it limits free speech.
Background
RT (formerly Russia Today) is a global multilingual television network funded by the Russian government. It covers news and current events from a pro-Russian perspective. The network was launched in 2005 to promote Russia’s interests abroad and improve the image of the country in the West. Critics have accused RT of spreading disinformation and Kremlin propaganda, while the network maintains it offers an alternative viewpoint to Western media.
Facebook is an American social media company launched in 2004. It has come under pressure from governments, particularly since 2016, to better monitor and restrict misinformation, hate speech, and propaganda on its platforms. There have been calls by some US and European politicians to ban or restrict Russian state-linked media like RT and Sputnik on social media, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
RT’s Presence on Facebook
As of October 2022, RT has several active Facebook pages and accounts, including:
- RT International – 33 million followers
- RT America – 5.4 million followers
- RT UK – 2.2 million followers
- RT en Español – 6.5 million followers
- RT France – 1.5 million followers
- RT Deutsch – 680,000 followers
In total, RT’s various Facebook pages have over 50 million followers and likes. However, its reach and distribution on Facebook is restricted (see below).
Advertising and Monetization Restrictions
In 2017, Facebook announced it would ban advertisements from RT and Sputnik on its platform. The social network introduced rules requiring that ads about political issues or social issues, elections, and politics be labeled and disclose who paid for them. RT declined to comply with the rules.
Facebook has also demonetized RT’s accounts and content. Pages cannot use Facebook’s money-making products like ad breaks if their content is deemed political or an issue of national importance.
In 2022, Facebook’s parent company Meta further restricted ad targeting for users in Russia and demonetized Russian state media.
Distribution and Algorithm Restrictions
Facebook’s algorithms and policies are designed to reduce the visibility and reach of content deemed false or misleading. As RT is a Russian state-controlled media outlet known for spreading pro-Kremlin narratives and disinformation, its distribution on Facebook has been impacted.
Facebook does not delete or remove RT’s posts, but they are algorithmically demoted in News Feeds so fewer users see them. External links to RT stories are also de-amplified. This makes it harder for RT content to go viral on Facebook.
2022 Restrictions in the EU
In February 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Meta (Facebook’s parent company) restricted access to RT and Sputnik’s Facebook pages across the European Union. The pages are not deleted, but EU users cannot view or search for them anymore.
Meta stated this was done in consultation with European governments and based on requests from policymakers. They argued RT and Sputnik have engaged in information warfare and spreading disinformation.
However, RT and Sputnik remain accessible on Facebook outside the EU. Their pages can still be viewed in the US, UK, and other countries. But their distribution is limited by algorithms.
Pressure to Ban RT
There have been growing calls by Western politicians to fully ban or suspend RT’s accounts on Facebook and other social platforms like Twitter and YouTube.
In March 2022, Meta received requests from the Ukrainian government to remove access to RT and Sputnik’s pages globally, but the company declined to impose a worldwide block.
Some policymakers in the US and UK have also urged Meta to extend its EU block on Russian state media to a global ban. But Meta is resisting a total ban so far.
RT’s Response
RT has complained the restrictions violate principles of free speech and media pluralism. They argue the network provides an alternative perspective and accused Western nations of censorship and authoritarianism.
However, social platforms like Facebook counter they are private companies that can set rules limiting harmful content like disinformation or war propaganda.
Broader Debates
The debate over RT’s status on Facebook ties into several larger debates, including:
- Platforms’ roles in regulating online speech and misinformation.
- How to balance combating propaganda while respecting free expression.
- Social media’s relationship with state-affiliated outlets and information warfare.
- Handling authoritarian regimes’ use of Western social media.
There are reasoned arguments on both sides, and no easy consensus on the right policies.
Conclusion
In summary, RT has not been completely removed from Facebook. It still maintains active accounts and can post content. However, restrictions have been placed, especially within the EU, to limit its reach, advertising, and monetization.
Facebook continues to face pressure from some policymakers to impose a total ban, while RT alleges it is being unjustly censored. The situation remains fluid and unresolved.
This reflects the challenging balancing act for social media platforms between restricting potential propaganda and disinformation from state-backed outlets while avoiding setting precedents for broader censorship and maintaining principles of free expression.
| Platform | Restriction status |
|---|---|
| No total ban but algorithmically demoted, advertising restricted, blocked in EU | |
| Labeled state-affiliated media, advertising restricted | |
| YouTube | RT channels accessible but demonetized |
Related Questions
Is RT banned on Twitter?
No, RT still has active accounts on Twitter. However, in August 2022, Twitter began labeling RT and Sputnik accounts as “Russia state-affiliated media.” Twitter has also banned ads from state media outlets. But RT content is still viewable and shareable.
Is RT banned on YouTube?
YouTube has not banned or deleted RT’s channels. But in March 2022, YouTube demonetized all RT and Sputnik channels in response to the Ukraine invasion. Their videos can still be viewed but they cannot monetize or run ads.
Is RT considered propaganda?
RT is funded and editorially influenced by the Russian government, and is often accused of spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda and disinformation. However, defenders argue it provides an alternative perspective to Western media narratives.
Why restrict RT on social media?
Reasons cited for limiting RT’s reach include: reducing disinformation, combating propaganda, national security, public safety, protecting democracy, avoiding foreign interference in elections, penalizing Russian aggression, etc.
Why allow RT on social media?
Reasons cited against restricting RT include: upholding free speech principles, avoiding setting censorship precedents, respecting media pluralism, allowing alternate viewpoints, not letting governments control online speech.
Should state media be regulated on social media?
There are reasonable arguments on both sides. Restricting state media could reduce propaganda, but also risks unhealthy censorship and stifling dissent. There is an ongoing debate around balancing security vs. liberty and shaping platform governance.
In summary, while no total ban is in place currently, RT does face significant restrictions and algorithmic demotion on Facebook and other platforms. But it is a complex issue reflecting broader tensions around social media regulation.