Overview

• TikTok has permanently removed accounts linked to Russian state media outlets RT and Sputnik for violating community guidelines against deceptive behavior.
• The banned accounts were previously restricted in the EU and UK and were not eligible for the 'For You' feed globally.
• This action follows similar measures by Meta and YouTube, which also banned Russian state media for foreign interference activities.
• The U.S. government has accused RT of operating beyond media functions, embedding cyber teams with ties to Russian intelligence.
• TikTok's decision is part of broader efforts to protect its 170 million American users from evolving threats ahead of the 2024 election.