Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Google have barred Russia's State-owned media outlet RT and other channels from running and earning money on ads on their websites, apps, and YouTube videos. In a post on Twitter, Meta's Security Policy Head, Nathaniel Gleicher said "We also continue to apply labels to additional Russian state media". "These changes have already begun rolling out and will continue into the weekend."
He added, "We are now prohibiting Russian state media from running ads or monetizing on our platform anywhere in the world."
Google's YouTube unit said it was "pausing a number of channels’ ability to monetize on YouTube," including several Russian channels affiliated with recent sanctions imposed by international bodies like the European Union (EU), among others.
Google added that it has also barred Russian-state funded media outlets from using its ad technology to generate revenue on their own websites and apps.
According to Google's Global spokesperson, Micheal Aciman, Russian media will not be able to buy ads through Google Tools or place ads on Google services such as search and Gmail.
"We’re actively monitoring new developments and will take further steps if necessary," Aciman added.
