Facebook blocks Russian state media from advertising on the platform

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

Facebook is blocking state-run Russian media outlets from advertising on the platform because of the conflict in Ukraine.

1/ We are now prohibiting Russian state media from running ads or monetizing on our platform anywhere in the world. We also continue to apply labels to additional Russian state media. These changes have already begun rolling out and will continue into the weekend.

— Nathaniel Gleicher (@ngleicher) February 26, 2022

Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook's head of security policy, said that Russian state media will not be allowed to run ads or monetize on the platform anywhere in the world.

A Special Operations Center has been established by Facebook to help monitor and respond to conflict. Facebook launched a feature in Afghanistan last August that prevents anyone but friends from viewing posts, photos, and Stories.

Russia has partially blocked access to Facebook in the country, with the Russian government claiming the platform is restricted. Facebook refused to comply with the order from the country's tech and communications regulator to stop fact-checking.

We are keeping a close eye on the situation in Ukraine and will be sharing steps we are taking to protect people on our platform.