Self-proclaimed republics Donetsk and Luhansk block Instagram and Facebook
The self-proclaimed republics Donetsk and Luhansk have blocked Instagram and Facebook, following Russia’s lead in restricting American social media platforms due to alleged threats to Russian-speaking users.
The self-proclaimed, Russian-backed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) announced that they have restricted access to Facebook and Instagram, aligning themselves with Russia’s policy on the American social media platforms.
In a statement on 11 May, the DNR’s communications ministry stated the telecom operators have begun blocking prohibited content that threatens its inhabitants. ‘In particular, access to the information resources of the American company Meta, which allows calls for violence against Russian-speaking users on its social networks, has already been blocked.’
The LNR communications ministry said it had also blocked access to social networks in a separate statement, which at the time of writing cannot be accessed.
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