Facebook access is restricted in Russia.

• The Russian media regulator announced on Friday that it will restrict access to Facebook, which is owned by Meta, as part of its ongoing efforts to control media outlets and technology companies during its invasion of Ukraine.
• The agency imposed limitations on Facebook's operations due to suspected legal infractions.
• Facebook previously stated that it refused to comply with Russia's request to stop labeling or fact-checking state-affiliated media.

The Russian media regulator announced on Friday that it will restrict access to Facebook in the country, intensifying its efforts to control media outlets and technology platforms during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Facebook has been found to have violated federal law by limiting access to accounts of state-affiliated media outlets, according to a translated version of a statement. This represents an escalation from earlier restrictions imposed by Russia.

The agency imposed restrictions on Facebook last week due to alleged violations.

Russian authorities requested that Facebook stop fact-checking and labeling content posted by state-owned outlets like RT and Sputnik, but Meta refused the request.

Since October 2020, Facebook has been found to have 26 instances of discrimination against Russian media and information resources, as stated by the regulator on Friday.

Millions of ordinary Russians will be cut off from reliable information, unable to connect with family and friends, and silenced from speaking out, according to Clegg's statement on Twitter following Friday's blocking. However, we will continue to work to restore our services so that people can safely and securely express themselves and organize for action.

Russia has intensified its suppression of both traditional and social media as its conflict with Ukraine persists. Some corporations, including and , have pledged to mark state-owned media and halt advertising in Russia. Additionally, a new law that would enable Russian authorities to imprison anyone who disseminates "false" information about its military has prompted the BBC to halt the operations of its journalists in the country.

As of Friday afternoon, GlobalCheck reported that Twitter was unavailable on Russian ISPs. Meanwhile, the Russian media regulator's website had not yet taken any new actions against Twitter.

Twitter has acknowledged reports that its service was restricted for some in Russia, but the company's spokesperson stated that they do not currently see anything significantly different from what they previously shared that would indicate a block. The spokesperson pointed to a Feb. 26 tweet where the company stated that they are aware that Twitter is being restricted for some people in Russia and are working to keep their service safe and accessible.