The invasion of Ukraine: Russia restricts the use of social media
Twitter has confirmed that Russia has restricted access to the service in certain country areas. “We’re aware that Twitter is start restricted for some people in Russia,” the company said in a statement. “We’re working to keep our services safe and accessible.”
Following a dispute over “censorship,” Russia restricted Facebook on Friday.
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, accused Facebook of violating “the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens. However, Facebook stated that it would not stop fact-checking and labeling content from state-owned news outlets.
According to NetBlocks, there is a complete or near-complete restriction on Twitter in Russia. However, according to NetBlocks, Facebook and Instagram are not “observably restricted per our metrics, certainly not to the extent that Twitter is at the moment.”
For those in Russia, circumvention is currently possible through VPN services, which can work around government-imposed restrictions. “Russia’s restriction of Twitter will significantly limit the free flow of information at a time. When the public needs to stay informed the most,” NetBlocks Director Alp Toker said in a statement.
Roskomnadzor has not yet taken any action against Twitter.
It is unclear what the Facebook restrictions might imply if implementer or whether other Meta-owned platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram will be affect.
The Russian regulator had demanded that Facebook lift the restrictions it imposed on state news agency RIA. State TV channel Zvezda, also pro-Kremlin news sites Lenta.Ru and Gazeta.Ru on Thursday. However, he made it transparent that he wanted Russians to continue using Meta’s platforms.
“Everyday Russians are using our apps to express themselves and organize for action,” Sir Nick said, adding also that the company wants “them to continue to make their voices heard. Many state-owned Russian media outlets have painted a largely positive picture of Russia’s military advances in Ukraine. Describing the invasion as a “special military operation” forced on Moscow.
