Russia Declares Meta Platforms Spokesperson Andy Stone Wanted on Unspecified Charges
Moscow: In a move to further restrict media and social media freedom, Russia has added Andy Stone, spokesperson for Meta Platforms, to its wanted list. The US social media giant, which owns Facebook, has been classified as “extremist” by Moscow.
Since the launch of its Ukraine offensive last year, Russia has intensified its crackdown on media and social media platforms, banning any form of criticism against the country. Stone’s name has been included on Russia’s interior ministry’s list of wanted individuals, although no further details regarding the charges have been provided.
In October 2022, Russia labeled Meta as a “terrorist and extremist” organization, leading to potential criminal investigations and fines for users within the country. As a result, Facebook and Instagram have been blocked in Russia, with the only way to access them being through a virtual private network (VPN).
Furthermore, X (formerly Twitter) has also been banned, alongside Russian independent media outlets that are critical of the Kremlin. Prior to the bans, millions of Russians regularly used Meta platforms, particularly Instagram, which remains highly popular among the country’s youth.
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