TikTok Bans Russian State Media Accounts and Shuts Down Music Service
Moves Target TV-Novosti and Rossiya Segodnya Amid U.S. Election Security Concerns
TikTok has announced that it will restrict accounts associated with TV-Novosti, the parent organization of Russian state media RT, and Rossiya Segodnya, which manages Kremlin news agencies RIA Novosti and Sputnik. These changes were implemented to address concerns over foreign interference in elections, as highlighted by the U.S. Department of Justice. TikTok stated that these accounts are now restricted in the United Kingdom and European Union and will no longer appear on the app’s main "For You" feed.
This decision follows similar actions by Meta Platforms, which banned Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and related entities from its platforms, leading to criticism from the Kremlin and the affected media organizations. In response, Rossiya Segodnya emphasized the value of alternative perspectives and expressed intentions to continue finding ways to share their viewpoints.
Additionally, TikTok announced it will discontinue its music service, TikTok Music, by November 28. Launched two years ago, the service was available in five countries, including Brazil and Australia, but was not offered in the United States. This shutdown is part of TikTok’s broader strategy to streamline its offerings and focus on its core video-sharing platform.
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This decision follows similar actions by Meta Platforms, which banned Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and related entities from its platforms, leading to criticism from the Kremlin and the affected media organizations. In response, Rossiya Segodnya emphasized the value of alternative perspectives and expressed intentions to continue finding ways to share their viewpoints.
Additionally, TikTok announced it will discontinue its music service, TikTok Music, by November 28. Launched two years ago, the service was available in five countries, including Brazil and Australia, but was not offered in the United States. This shutdown is part of TikTok’s broader strategy to streamline its offerings and focus on its core video-sharing platform.
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