YouTube has paused the ability of Russian linked channels to monetize on the video platform, the firm revealed on Saturday (Feb. 26).
YouTube indicated in a statement that it would stop the ability of many channels, including the state-funded media station RT, to earn ad money. This comes just days after Russia announced its intention to attack Ukraine on Thursday.
"In light of unprecedented events in Ukraine... we're halting the ability of a number of channels to monetise on YouTube, including numerous Russian channels affiliated with recent sanctions," YouTube stated in a statement seen by Reuters.
Furthermore, videos from the restricted channels will appear less frequently in recommendations. Following a request from the Ukrainian government, RT and the other networks whose ad revenue has been halted are no longer available in Ukraine. On Saturday, Ukraine's cultural minister, Oleksandr Tkachenko, posted a request on Twitter.
The announcement comes on the heels of Meta's announcement on Friday that it is "currently barring Russian state media from placing advertising or monetizing on our platform everywhere in the world," according to a Twitter message from security policy head Nathaniel Gleicher.
"We are also continuing to classify additional Russian state media." "These modifications have already begun to take effect and will continue through the weekend," he added.
To help users who are being targeted, Meta is rolling out locked profiles in Ukraine, has temporarily removed the ability to view and search the "Friends" list for Facebook accounts in Ukraine, and is taking additional safety measures for its Messenger app and the WhatsApp platform that establish or expand existing disappearing message abilities.
