Current:Home > reviewsRussia places spokesperson for Facebook parent Meta on wanted list -Horizon Finance School
Russia places spokesperson for Facebook parent Meta on wanted list
View
Date:2025-04-27 13:09:18
Russia has placed Meta spokesperson Andy Stone on a wanted list as the Kremlin strives to control the message at home in its ongoing war against Ukraine.
Stone "is wanted under an article of the Russian Criminal Code," Russian state news agency Tass reported on Sunday, citing an online search of the list maintained by the Russian Ministry of Interior.
Stone was put on the wanted list in February 2022, but Russian authorities had not said anything publicly about the matter until last week, according to Tass and Mediazona, an independent news outlet co-founded by two members of the Russian band Pussy Riot.
In his current position at Meta for nearly 10 years, Stone previously worked in communication roles for Democratic organizations and lawmakers, including former California Senator Barbara Boxer, according to his profile on LinkedIn.
After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February of 2022, Meta limited the scope of Russian state-sponsored news on its Facebook and Instagram platforms, with Stone announcing temporary changes to Meta's hate speech policy to allow for "forms of political expression that would normally violate (its) rules, like violent speech such as 'death to the Russian invaders.'"
The Kremlin followed up by banning use of the sites as well as Twitter, now called X.
The Russian criminal probe started in March 2022 "In view of calls for violence and murders against Russians in connection with actions of Meta employees," according to Tass. "Stone said at that time in the social network that Meta temporarily lifted the ban on calls for violence against the Russian servicemen," the state-run organization reported.
After Russian troops moved into Ukraine, Stone announced temporary changes to Meta's hate speech policy to allow for "forms of political expression that would normally violate (its) rules, like violent speech such as 'death to the Russian invaders.'"
At the same time, Stone tweeted that "credible calls for violence against Russian civilians" would remain banned.
In April 2022, Russia also formally barred Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg from entering the country, the Associated Press noted.
Meta did not immediately respond to CBS MoneyWatch's request for comment.
Russian authorities in October had labeled Meta as a "terrorist and extremist" organization, saying the U.S. tech company's actions were akin to condoning violence against Russians. The move was viewed as a step toward potential criminal charges against Russians using its platforms, the AP said. The platforms are now only available to Russians via VPN.
A Russian court in mid-November ordered Stone arrested in absentia for promoting aiding terrorism, both Mediazona and Tass reported.
Kate GibsonKate Gibson is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch in New York.
veryGood! (8951)
Related
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- Anna Cardwell, 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo' star, dies at 29 following cancer battle
- 6 teens convicted over their roles in teacher's beheading in France
- NFL playoff clinching scenarios: Cowboys, Eagles, 49ers can secure spots in Week 14
- Bodycam footage shows high
- Hiding purchases or debts from a partner can break a relationship – or spice it up
- Kishida promises he’ll take appropriate steps ahead of a Cabinet shuffle to tackle a party scandal
- Bronny James makes college debut for USC nearly 5 months after cardiac arrest
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Cardi B Confirms She's Single After Offset Breakup
Ranking
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- Why 'Friends' is the 'heartbeat' of Julia Roberts sci-fi movie 'Leave the World Behind'
- India’s Supreme Court upholds government’s decision to remove disputed Kashmir’s special status
- Why 'Friends' is the 'heartbeat' of Julia Roberts sci-fi movie 'Leave the World Behind'
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Mark Ruffalo on his 'Poor Things' sex scenes, Oscar talk and the villain that got away
- At 90, I am finally aging, or so everyone is telling me. I guess that's OK.
- Bronny James ‘very solid’ in college debut for USC as LeBron watches
Recommendation
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
Volunteers flock to Israel to harvest fruit and vegetables as foreign farm workers flee during Israel-Hamas war
Bachelor in Paradise's Aven Jones Apologizes to Kylee Russell for Major Mistakes After Breakup
Golden Globe nominations 2024: 'Barbie' leads with 9, 'Oppenheimer' scores 8
The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
Golden Globe nominations 2024: 'Barbie' leads with 9, 'Oppenheimer' scores 8
LeBron James Supports Son Bronny at USC Basketball Debut After Health Scare
Officials say a US pilot safely ejected before his F-16 crashed into the sea off South Korea