YouTube is prohibiting Russian state-owned media channels

YouTube joins Meta in banning Russian state-sponsored media outlets from running ads or profiting from its platform. The company suspended RT and several other Russian accounts on Saturday. The troop withdrawal comes in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's authorization to launch an all-out assault on Ukraine on Thursday, which involved launching airstrikes across the country and stepping up forces into the country's capital, Kyiv.

YouTube's announcement follows Meta, which also banned Russian state media from monetizing content on Facebook. Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook's head of privacy policy, first announced the effort on Twitter on Friday, noting that the changes will continue through the weekend.

A spokesperson of YouTube has said that the platform is taking a number of actions in light of extraordinary circumstances. He further said that YouTube is blocking a number of channels affiliated with recent sanctions. The platform has also restricted access to RT and other channels in Ukraine in response to a government request.