YouTube prevents RT and other Russian channels from earning advertising dollars

This chart taken on July 13, 2021 shows the YouTube application on a smartphone. REUTERS / Dado Ruvic / Illustration

February 26 (Reuters) – In the wake of the Ukraine invasion, YouTube on Saturday banned Russian state-owned media outlets RT and other Russian channels from receiving money for advertisements running with their videos, similar to Facebook’s action.

Citing “extraordinary circumstances,” YouTube said in a statement that it was “suspending the ability of many channels to monetize YouTube, including several Russian channels that have been linked to the latest blockade”. Advertising is largely controlled by YouTube.

YouTube spokesperson Farshad Shatlu said videos of the affected channels would also fall short of the recommendations. He said RT and many other channels could no longer be accessed in Ukraine due to “government demand”.

Ukraine’s Digital Minister Mikhail Fedorov tweeted earlier on Saturday that he had contacted YouTube to “block propaganda Russian channels – Russia 24, DOS, RIA Novosti and the like”.

RT did not immediately respond to a request for comment. YouTube does not name other channels that are banned.

For years, lawmakers and some users have been calling on YouTube, which is owned by Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O) Google should take more action against Russian government-linked channels for spreading false information and making a profit out of it.

During the two-year period ending in December 2018, Russia received between $ 7 million and $ 32 million in advertising on 26 YouTube channels, digital researcher Omelas told Reuters at the time.

YouTube has previously stated that it does not treat state-funded media channels differently than other channels when it comes to sharing advertising revenue.

Meta Platforms Inc (FB.O), The owner of Facebook, on Friday banned the Russian state media from running ads on its services anywhere in the world or making money from ads. read more

Paresh Dave Report; Editing by Leslie Adler and Cynthia Asterman

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