YouTube is blocking RT and other Russian state-funded media channels from generating revenue on its platform

• YouTube is prohibiting state-owned Russian media accounts from monetizing on its platform. 
• The move follows Meta enacting similar restrictions on Friday after Russia began attacks on Ukraine. 
• The suspension pertains to outlets like RT and other Russian media organizations operated by the state. 

YouTube is joining Meta in banning state-funded Russian media organizations from running ads or profiting on its platform. 

The company suspended RT and several other Russian accounts on Saturday, as first reported by Reuters. The removal comes in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin authorizing a full-scale attack on Ukraine on Thursday, involving launching airstrikes across the country and pushing forces into the country’s capital of Kyiv.

Representatives for YouTube, as well as parent company Alphabet’s Google, did not immediately respond to Insider’s request to comment. The company told Reuters in a statement that “in light of extraordinary circumstances in Ukraine” it is “pausing a number of channels’ ability to monetize on YouTube, including several Russian channels affiliated with recent sanctions.”

The YouTube announcement follows Meta similarly restricting Russian state-owned media from monetizing content on Facebook. Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of security policy, first announced the effort on Twitter on Friday, noting that the changes will continue rolling out throughout the weekend. 

“We are taking extensive steps to fight the spread of misinformation on our services in the region and continuing to consult with outside experts,” a Meta spokesperson told Insider on Friday.