TikTok blocks dozens of Kremlin-backed media accounts

TikTok has prohibited numerous accounts linked to state-owned Russian media, including RT and TV-Novosti, due to security concerns in anticipation of the U.S. presidential election scheduled for November.

This action follows a similar ban imposed by another technology company, Meta, which asserted that the Kremlin-affiliated media outlets are involved in misleading influence operations. In a statement released Monday, TikTok reiterated that influence operations were the basis for the account removals.

The platform indicated that it had previously attempted to reduce the visibility of Russian state-affiliated media within users’ feeds by labeling these accounts to offer essential context regarding the content’s source.

As reported by RT, TikTok also eliminated nearly 40 accounts belonging to the Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik. RT noted last week that TikTok did not explain the deletion of these accounts.

TikTok has not responded to Recorded Future News regarding the number of Russian state media organizations impacted by the ban.

The actions taken against Russian state-sponsored media are consistent with U.S. policy; however, TikTok’s future in the United States remains uncertain due to apprehensions about potential connections between its parent company, ByteDance, and the Chinese government. Additionally, U.S. authorities have previously accused the platform of disseminating harmful content and misinformation, as well as presenting privacy concerns.

In early September, the U.S. government announced the removal of 32 websites associated with a Russian influence operation. It charged two Russian nationals affiliated with RT for their involvement in compensating U.S.-based media influencers to promote propaganda that aligns with the Kremlin’s objectives.

The U.S. government has indicated that there are significant ties between RT and Russian intelligence activities. In 2022, RT ceased operations of its American division.

Furthermore, alongside Meta and TikTok, another major U.S. technology firm, Google, announced in early September the termination of multiple YouTube channels associated with Tenet Media, a media company based in Tennessee, which has been connected by the U.S. to a Russian disinformation initiative.

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