TikTok has taken down accounts linked to Russian state media for conducting “covert influence operations” ahead of the U.S. presidential election.
The video-sharing platform announced on Monday that this move targets accounts associated with TV-Novosti, the parent organization of Russian state media outlet RT, and Rossiya Segodnya, which oversees Kremlin-backed news agencies RIA Novosti and Sputnik.
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According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Moscow remains the primary foreign threat to U.S. elections, despite a recent cyberattack by Iran targeting the campaigns of both major political parties. In response to these threats, U.S. officials have employed various measures—including criminal charges, sanctions, and public advisories—to highlight foreign interference efforts. This includes the indictment of a covert Russian operation aimed at spreading pro-Russia content to U.S. audiences.
TikTok’s action follows a similar move by Meta Platforms, which last week banned Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and related entities from Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. This led to sharp criticism from the Kremlin and the media organizations involved.
TikTok explained on its website that accounts tied to TV-Novosti and Rossiya Segodnya were already restricted in the United Kingdom and European Union and were not allowed to appear on its main “For You” feed.
In response to the ban, Rossiya Segodnya’s press service stated, “There are many people from different countries who value an alternative point of view on global events. We will find ways to continue sharing that perspective.”
RT has yet to comment on the matter.
In a separate development, TikTok announced changes to its business operations. According to a notice posted on its website, the company will shut down its music service, TikTok Music, by November 28. The service, which launched two years ago, was available in five countries, including key markets like Brazil and Australia, but had not been introduced in the U.S.
