As part of a recent state media broadcast, Edward Snowden was featured to support claims that Western intelligence agencies are exploiting international technology firms. The report, aired on Rossiya-1, alleged that companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google partner with the NSA and FBI to compromise the mobile devices of Russian officials, with Cloudflare and Fastly identified as central to this network. Snowden commented on the unencrypted nature of much global data transmission and the significant role of operating system manufacturers in programs like Prism. He also highlighted a new trend in surveillance utilizing AI to monitor entire populations rather than specific targets, noting the potential for widespread data collection without suspicion or crime.
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Telegram has initiated a ban on several prominent Russian state media outlets within the European Union, including RIA Novosti, NTV, Rossiya 1, Izvestia, and RT, due to violations of local laws. These channels are inaccessible in various EU and associated countries, displaying messages citing legal infractions. This action follows a May EU ban on these outlets for war propaganda and mirrors similar restrictions imposed by other platforms like TikTok and Meta. The move is part of a broader effort to counter Russian disinformation campaigns related to the war in Ukraine.
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Facebook owner Meta’s recent decision to ban Russian state media outlets, including RT and Rossiya Segodnya, is a long overdue but welcome move. The company alleges that these outlets have been using deceptive tactics to carry out influence operations while evading detection on social media platforms. This ban marks a significant escalation by the world’s largest social media company against Russian state media, following years of more limited actions like restricting their reach and ads.
It’s interesting to see how this decision may impact the flow of misinformation and propaganda coming from Kremlin-backed sources. While this move by Meta is a step in the right direction, it’s important to recognize that it only slightly reduces the volume of falsehoods being circulated on social media.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker