What's happened
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone has been sentenced to six years in a penal colony in absentia in Russia for justifying terrorism following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Stone's remarks led to criminal charges and the designation of Meta as an extremist organization, resulting in the ban of Facebook and Instagram in Russia.
Why it matters
The conviction of Meta's spokesperson in Russia underscores the increasing pressure on tech companies to comply with local regulations amid geopolitical tensions. The sentencing reflects the Kremlin's crackdown on dissenting voices and its efforts to control the narrative surrounding the conflict in Ukraine. The case raises concerns about freedom of expression and the ability of foreign companies to operate in restrictive environments.
What the papers say
The Independent and NY Post report on the conviction of Meta spokesperson Andy Stone in Russia, highlighting the charges of justifying terrorism and the implications for social media platforms in the country. While The Independent focuses on the legal proceedings and the defense's response, NY Post emphasizes the context of Stone's remarks and the broader crackdown on independent media in Russia.
How we got here
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone announced temporary changes to the company's hate speech policy to allow for political expression against Russian forces. The Russian authorities interpreted Stone's remarks as illegal calls to violence and terrorism, leading to criminal charges and the ban of Meta platforms in the country. The case reflects the challenges faced by tech companies in navigating complex geopolitical environments and balancing freedom of expression with compliance with local laws.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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The Moscow Times is an English-language online-only newspaper based in Moscow. It was in print from 1992 until 2017, with a peak circulation of 55,000.