As times continue to evolve and technology grows, there comes a new type of warfare, cyberwarfare. Many government officials and citizens look to Social Media as a direct way of communicating effectively. One of the main forms of Social Media being used during this conflict is that of Twitter. Last week, French Minister, Bruno Le Maire, declared an ‘economic war’ on Russia. A Russian counterpart responded to the Minister’s declaration by posting a threatening Tweet starting with ‘watch your tongue.’
Many other forms of Social Media are restricting Russia from gaining access to their networks as well. Since the initial invasion of Ukraine Russia has lost access to its main Twitter, its Youtube blocked access to RT and Sputnik across Europe, and now, Russia has just lost its access to the app TikTok and also Facebook.
TikTok removed Russia from receiving access to the app due to an overwhelming amount of Russian influencers that seemed to have been reading propaganda from a script encouraging the conflict. In the videos, the influencers describe an eight-year genocide committed by the Ukrainian people in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions, for which there is no evidence. What seems to be the most interesting part of this story is that when playing simultaneously all of the Russian Influencers were speaking verbatim.
TikTok quickly climbed the charts to the number one Social Media platform. However, Tik-Tok also changed the way humans absorb content. Many average people are finding their way to stardom on the app as they can quickly gain a following after posting one viral video. Influencers are the ‘celebrities’ of the millennial generation. Many people who go on reality TV shows, such as the bachelor, gain a following through the show and then make deals with various companies upon the conclusion of their presence on the show.
After seeing the multitude of videos being posted on the Social Media app, TikTok decided on Monday that “it would suspend live streaming and new content in Russia after a law took effect that had gone through lower houses of the government saying anyone who is knowingly spreading ‘Fake News’ about the military would receive up to fifteen years in prison.
The company wrote a statement on their Twitter and their website “We have no choice but to suspend live streaming and new content to our video service while we review the safety implications of this law.” Tik-Tok ended its statement by elaborating, “TikTok is an outlet for creativity and entertainment that provides a source of relief and human connection during a time of war when people are facing immense tragedy and isolation. However, the safety of our employees and our users remains our highest priority.”
The loss of Social Media is leaving family members around the world feeling shut out and worried for their family that is still in Russia knowing the living situations there is worsening day by day.
