Russian authorities have put ‘’partial restrictions‘’ on Facebook after the social media network limited the accounts of several Kremlin-backed media organisations. It all happens following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The state communication watchdog, Roskomnadzor demanded to lift restrictions by Facebook. As it is place on state news agency RIA Novosti, State TV Channel Zvezda, and pro-kremlin news sites. According to Roskomnadzor, restriction is place including them on unreliable sources.
Measures to protect Russian Media
According to Roskomnadzor, ‘’partial restriction ‘’ would take effect on Friday, however, no clarity on measures implementation. He describes this move as ‘’ measures to protect Russian media.’’ It is also said that Russia’s foreign ministry and the prosecutor general’s office found the social media ‘’ complicit in the violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms, as well as the rights and freedoms of Russian nationals.’’
Special operation Centre
However, the owner of Meta (Facebook) did not comment on the issue. Furthermore, Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs announced that the company has established a ‘’special operation centre’’ to deal with Ukraine-relevant content. The special operation Centre will look at violence-related and hate speeches.
Nick Clegg said in a tweet, ‘’ ordinary Russians are using our apps to express themselves and organize for actions. We want them to continue to make their voices heard.’’
He said, ‘’ the situation in Ukraine is devastating. Our teams at Meta have implemented several measures to keep our platforms and our users in the region as safe as we can. This is a fast-moving situation and our teams remain on high alter.’’
Meanwhile, Yegor Aushev, co-founder of a cybersecurity company in Kyiv told Reuters that he was asked to post at the request of senior defence ministry officials asking hackers to defend their country. Aushev also acknowledges that the cyber military force is coming late in the game.
