Facebook’s warning messages about the reliability of four Russian media led the Moscow supervisory authority to partially shut down the social network. the New York Times sees it as another attempt to muzzle domestic opponents of the war in Ukraine.
The Russian government has announced the partial closure of the social network Facebook, after the latter moderated certain content from pro-Kremlin media. “It will be more difficult for Russians to share their anger after the invasion of Ukraine”, says the American daily The New York Times.
On the Russian side, the Federal Service for the Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) explained that its access to four Russian media Facebook accounts had been limited. Among these was the news agency RIA Novosti and the Ministry of Defense channel Zvezda. Referring to censorship, the media controller denounced a “violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
“Sharing shame and anger”
the New York Times asserts that the contours of the “partial closure” of the social network are still unclear. “This could be similar to last year’s government move to slow access to Twitter”, adds the title. It is not yet known whether this measure will also affect social networks affiliated with the Meta company, such as Instagram. Platforms like Youtube and Twitter remain accessible in Russia, “offering a space of freedom of expression that does not exist on television”.
Since President Vladimir Putin launched his attack on Ukraine on Thursday [24 février]many Russians have taken to social media to share their shame and anger.”
“Human rights activists have expressed concern that the Kremlin is carrying out another attack on freedoms following the invasion,” he continues.
As noted on Thursday, February 24, the Wall Street Journal,
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has also become a social media war.”
Sharing the opinions of Internet users and developments in the military situation are now the subject of a struggle for influence.
That same day, thousands of demonstrators had gathered in the streets of Russian cities to protest against the invasion of neighboring Ukraine. “In the rallies, many people were dejected after hearing the news of the Russian military action.” The rallies had been dispersed by the police and hundreds of participants arrested.