YouTube Blocks Russian RT and Sputnik Channels in Europe Amid Ukraine Invasion

Google has announced its plans to block YouTube channels connected to RT and Sputnik across Europe amid Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this morning, the Google Europe Twitter account announced its plans to halt access to Russian media outlets as a response to the ongoing attacks in Ukraine. The plan has been executed immediately. However, Google notes that it will “take time for our systems to fully ramp up.” The company also vows to “monitor the situation around the clock to take swift action.”

The Alphabet-owned company now joins a growing list of tech companies blocking the Russian media outlets. Recently, TikTok banned the two channels. Meta has also blocked both RT and Sputnik on Instagram and Facebook. YouTube has now joined the fold. Though, it is doing so after halting the generation of revenue from both channels.

The ban from YouTube also follows after a request from the European Commission. Now that it will apply, the removal of Russian media outlets will be seen across the EU and UK. In turn, Russia will have fewer avenues to spread propaganda to international markets.

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