With just six weeks left until the U.S. presidential election, Meta has expanded its ban on Russian state media accounts after investigations revealed that Russia-based groups were attempting to influence U.S. voter opinions.

As reported by Reuters:

“Meta announced on Monday that it was blocking RT, Rossiya Segodnya, and other Russian state media outlets from its platforms. The decision comes after these networks were found to have used deceptive strategies to carry out covert online influence operations […] This follows U.S. money-laundering charges earlier this month against two RT employees, who were allegedly part of a scheme to hire an American company to produce online content aimed at swaying the 2024 election.”

The uncovered plot involved a Russian influence group paying right-wing commentators in the U.S. to amplify political discord through a Tennessee-based front company called “Tenet Media.”

Tenet Media was reportedly funneling millions to various prominent online personalities, including Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, and Dave Rubin, to produce content centered around specific topics and narratives. These commentators were unaware that they were being manipulated by Russian state media to fuel voter discontent, but this revelation again highlights how far foreign entities are willing to go to influence international elections.

Meta had faced significant criticism after the 2016 U.S. election, when it was discovered that Russian groups used Facebook ads and groups to stir up tensions among American voters. Some speculated that these efforts helped Donald Trump’s campaign, though it's unclear whether they were meant to support a specific candidate or simply sway global opinion on matters aligned with Russian interests.

One such topic was the war in Ukraine:

“In one instance, [RT] instructed [Tenet Media] to create a video blaming Ukraine and the United States for a mass shooting at a Moscow music venue, despite Islamic State claiming responsibility,” according to the Justice Department.

This type of influence peddled by RT is more about providing alternative narratives that divert scrutiny away from Russia, rather than promoting a particular candidate.

Chinese influence groups use similar tactics, often raising questions about U.S. actions or interference in China. These methods are often subtler than expected, and while some reports suggest that Russian operatives might prefer Trump in the upcoming election, their real goal seems to be creating doubt about “hidden” agendas, which then shifts attention away from Russia’s actions.

With just six weeks remaining until the U.S. presidential election, Meta has broadened its ban on Russian state media accounts after investigations showed that Russia-based groups were working to influence U.S. voter sentiment.

As Reuters reported:

“On Monday, Meta announced the suspension of RT, Rossiya Segodnya, and other Russian state media outlets from its platforms, following evidence that these organizations were using deceptive tactics to conduct covert influence campaigns online […] This move comes after U.S. authorities filed money-laundering charges earlier this month against two RT employees, accusing them of participating in a scheme to hire an American company to create content aimed at influencing the 2024 election.”

The scheme involved a Russian group paying right-wing commentators in the U.S. to intensify political division, using a Tennessee-based front company named “Tenet Media.”

According to reports, Tenet Media was distributing millions of dollars to various prominent online personalities, such as Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, and Dave Rubin, to create content on specific topics. These individuals were unaware that Russian state media was using them to stoke voter discontent, underscoring the lengths foreign powers are willing to go to influence international elections.

Meta had already faced heavy criticism after the 2016 U.S. election, when it was revealed that Russian groups used Facebook ads and groups to fuel tensions among American voters. While some believe these efforts may have benefited Donald Trump, it remains unclear whether the intention was to back a particular candidate or to shift public opinion on issues important to Russia.

One such issue was the conflict in Ukraine:

“In one case, [RT] asked [Tenet Media] to create a video accusing Ukraine and the U.S. of being responsible for a mass shooting at a Moscow music venue, even though the Islamic State had claimed responsibility,” according to the Justice Department.

This form of influence from RT is less about supporting specific candidates and more about spreading alternative narratives that downplay Russia’s role.

Chinese influence operations take a similar approach, often raising doubts about U.S. actions or interference in Chinese matters. These strategies tend to be more subtle than overt, and while some reports indicate that Russian actors may favor Trump in the upcoming election, their broader aim is to raise doubts about so-called “hidden” agendas, thus diverting attention from Russia’s activities.