TikTok has deleted accounts linked to two Russian state-affiliated media organizations, Rossiya Segodnya and TV-Novosti, for allegedly attempting to exert covert influence on the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
These organizations are the parent companies behind the Sputnik news agency and RT broadcaster, respectively.
In a statement released on Monday, TikTok explained that the accounts violated the platform’s policies on foreign interference.
This move follows a similar action by Meta, which last week banned Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and related entities from Facebook and Instagram over concerns about foreign influence activities.
Neither Rossiya Segodnya nor RT responded to CNN’s request for comment regarding TikTok’s decision.
The action by TikTok comes on the heels of legal measures taken by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this month. The department charged two RT employees with funneling nearly $10 million into a U.S.-based entity, identified as Tenet Media, to promote content that favored Russian state interests. U.S. officials said the covert campaign was aimed at influencing American public opinion ahead of the election.
Tenet Media, which has hosted conservative voices like Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and Benny Johnson, became embroiled in the controversy.
The commentators have denied any knowledge of the alleged Russian influence campaign, describing themselves as unknowing participants.
RT responded to the charges with dismissive remarks but did not directly address the allegations.
TikTok, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has also faced scrutiny over potential foreign influence, especially concerning its algorithms and the possibility of Chinese government involvement.
With around 170 million American users engaging with its content, concerns have grown over the platform’s influence on U.S. public opinion.
In response to these concerns, President Joe Biden signed legislation in April that could lead to a nationwide ban on TikTok unless its ownership changes.
ByteDance has since challenged the law in court to prevent a forced sale or ban in the U.S.
