TikTok Permanently Removes Russian State Media Accounts Over Influence Operations

TikTok has permanently removed accounts linked to Russian state media, citing their involvement in “covert influence operations.” According to Sky News, this action is part of the platform’s broader effort to combat disinformation ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential elections in November, according to Sky News.

The accounts in question are associated with the RT media group, which includes news agencies RIA Novosti and Sputnik, as well as TV-Novosti, the parent company of RT (Russia Today). While these accounts were previously restricted in the UK and the EU, with their content flagged globally as state-controlled media, TikTok has now banned them outright.

This decision aligns with similar moves by other tech giants. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently blocked RT and other Russian state media outlets, citing concerns over interference in foreign affairs.