The Heat Goes On: Russia Threatens The US News Organization After Facebook Banned Russia Today

• comments
• 
• 

Russia has been linked to Donald Trump's victory over the presidency and although there are no confirmations about this, the rumors still went on. And now, there is another hit to the Russian Federation and that is Facebook blocking Russia Today, which is now known as the "Kremlin-backed English news outlet." The popular social media banned the network from posting photos, videos, and even news articles until the president-elect Trump had his inauguration.

The ban took place following a copyright complaint that involves a video stream of the former US president, Barack Obama, and his conference on RT's Facebook account last Jan. 18. After this, the social platform had given RT an originally 72-hour or three days suspension, however, it was altered up to Thursday evening. The said change was not because of the Friday night's inauguration but instead, it is because it prompted a negative response from Russia.

"All the features for this page owner have now been restored. We are looking into the reasons behind the temporary block," Facebook said. RT responded, telling that they were using an authorized stream from the Associated Press but then it was banned after an "accidental complaint" from the Russian-language news show, the Current Time TV. The said program was run by Radio Free Europe, " a broadcasting organization funded by the US government." (via Telegraph) Meanwhile, Current Time TV responded, saying that they did not file any complaint.

Facebook is known for being a little strict when it comes to copyright violation. Meanwhile, during the suspension, Russia Today's Facebook Page can post text that enables them to update their followers. It may have shortened the suspension, however, it could result in unlikely consequences such as tensed relationship between the outgoing US administration and Russia. This might be true as Roskomnadzor, the country's communications regulator, has warned about a revenge against the US news corporations.