Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor has blocked Facebook, the world’s largest social-media platform by number of users, in the latest broadside against freedom of information in the country as the Kremlin seeks to control the narrative about its war in Ukraine.
“This is part of their effort…to cut off a range of information from their public,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters on March 4, referring to the cutoff of Facebook. “We are deeply concerned about this and concerned about the threat on freedom of speech in the country.”
Russian citizens confirmed to RFE/RL that they were experiencing problems with Facebook access.
Roskomnadzar based its decision on claims that Facebook was discriminating against Russian media and information resources such as RT, RIA Novosti, and Sputnik.
Western governments have largely cut Russia off from their financial systems since its invasion of Ukraine, while dozens of Western firms have announced they are withdrawing from the country.
