Russia against social networks: bans the use of Facebook and Instagram for extremism

The Russian justice system banned on Monday the use of the social networks Facebook and Instagram in the country, accusing them of “extremism” since the war with Ukraine began. We must remember that a few weeks ago Facebook released the use of profanity, to refer to Russia, in defense of Ukraine, due to the war between the two countries. Previously, Russia had applied a “partial restriction” against Facebook.

According to the Russian agencies, the provision of the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office to “prohibit the activities” of the company was satisfied and the verdict took effect immediately. It should be noted that the company META, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, had asked to stop the legal action of the Russian institution after it was accused of massifying messages of violence against Russians.

However, the ban does not apply to WhatsApp. “We filed a motion to end the proceedings. We consider that the court does not have the competence to consider this case, given that Meta is a foreign company,” said the company’s lawyer at Moscow’s Tverskoi court.

The comments on networks influenced

According to the EFE agency, the Russian Investigative Committee opened a criminal case due to Meta’s refusal to eliminate calls for violence against Russians, including the military.

In a statement, company spokesman Andy Stone explained that the exceptions are allowed on a temporary basis due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine if they do not include “credible” death threats against Russian civilians. However, Meta does allow calls for the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko.