In response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, Alphabet Inc.’s Google has decided to ban RT and other Russian state-funded channels from earning money through ads on their websites, apps, and YouTube videos. The move comes after Facebook also blocked state-funded Russian channels. While Facebook has been able to maintain some Russian state-sponsored channels, the company’s move is particularly shocking given the recent history of the conflict.
The company’s move comes as a result of its new policy, which prevents Russian state-funded media outlets from using its ad technology and tools. As a result, Russian state-run channels will be unable to place ads on their videos on YouTube, a major source of revenue for the Russian government.
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The move also comes after the European Union announced sanctions on a prominent figure in Russian propaganda, Margarita Simonyan.
YouTube is blocking RT and other Russian channels from earning money from ads. YouTube has already banned some state-funded channels but hasn’t said which ones. The European Union imposed sanctions on Simonyan, a prominent figure in Russian propaganda.
As a result, videos from these affected channels will appear on YouTube less frequently. In addition, YouTube will no longer let Russian-backed channels run ads in Ukraine.
Source: Reuters