TikTok has removed accounts linked to two Russian media organizations for alleged attempts to covertly influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election, the social media platform announced Monday.
The accounts were associated with Rossiya Segodnya and TV-Novosti, the parent organizations of Sputnik news agency and RT broadcaster respectively. TikTok labeled these groups as “state-affiliated” and said their actions violated platform guidelines.
This move follows a similar action by Meta last week, which banned Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and “other related entities” from its apps globally for “foreign interference activity.”
The account removals come in the wake of recent U.S. Justice Department charges against two RT employees. They are accused of funneling nearly $10 million into a U.S. company, identified by CNN as Tenet Media, to create and amplify content aligning with Russian state interests ahead of the presidential election.
Tenet Media, known for featuring high-profile right-wing, pro-Trump commentators, has seen its contributors release statements claiming they were unaware victims of the alleged Russian scheme.
TikTok’s action highlights ongoing concerns about foreign influence in U.S. elections through social media platforms. The platform itself has faced scrutiny over potential Chinese government influence, given its ownership by Chinese company ByteDance.
In April, President Joe Biden signed legislation that could potentially lead to a nationwide TikTok ban unless the app finds new ownership. TikTok has challenged this in court.
As the U.S. presidential election approaches, these developments underscore the complex interplay between social media, foreign influence, and election integrity. They also reflect the increasing efforts by tech companies to combat perceived threats to democratic processes.
The removed accounts’ impact and the full extent of their activities remain unclear. Neither Rossiya Segodnya nor RT have immediately responded to requests for comment on TikTok’s actions.
This situation continues to evolve, with potential implications for international relations, media freedom, and the role of social media in political discourse.
CNN
