Russia Bans Instagram—Influencers Cry While Ukrainians Die
Putin’s Kremlin has followed through on its threat to ban Meta’s Instagram app in Russia. Cue: Much wailing and gnashing of teeth among the класс инфлюенсеров.
But the reason given seems … suspicious. Media regulator Roskomnadzor says it’s because Meta is allowing Ukrainian users to incite violence against the Russian military. But observers point to the uptick in dissenting voices on Instagram—many from within Russia itself.
Oh what a tangled web we weave. In today’s SB Blogwatch, we struggle to believe.
Your humble blogwatcher curated these bloggy bits for your entertainment. Not to mention: Human interaction.
And Nothing of Value was Lost
What’s the craic? Taylor Hatmaker reports—“Instagram is now blocked in Russia”:
“Calls to violence against Russian soldiers”
Russia followed through on its threat to block Meta-owned Instagram … cutting off access [from] 80 million people in the country. … The app has been installed 166 million times across the Russian App Store and Google Play since 2014, making it three times as popular as Facebook.
…
Russian censor Roskomnadzor [accused] Meta of encouraging … “violence against Russian citizens.” … Meta had quietly adjusted its content policies … allowing calls to violence against Russian soldiers from within … Ukraine.
Is that the real reason? Richard Lawler adds context—“First Facebook, now Instagram”:
“Lie of Kremlin’s propaganda”
The Facebook ban [11 days ago] cited “discrimination against Russian media.” This time, the [Russian] government claims it’s happening because … Meta [is] directing moderators to allow posts calling for violence against Russian soldiers.
…
The government’s decision does not mention that Russian oligarchs have used Instagram to speak out against the invasion. In some instances, this extends to the children of oligarchs who have become influencers with large followings like Sofia Abramovich … who reportedly shared a message saying, “The biggest and most successful lie of Kremlin’s propaganda is that most Russians stand with Putin.”
Those poor, poor “influencers.” Pjotr Sauer passes the onion—“Russian influencers take stock after Instagram access blocked”:
“I am absolutely devastated”
“This is my life, this is my soul. This is what I have been waking up to and falling asleep with for the last five years,” said the fashion blogger Karina Nigay, who boasts nearly 3 million followers, through tears.
…
Karina Istomina, a popular DJ and Instagram influencer with more than 400,000 followers, said: “Roughly half of all my income came through Instagram advertising. … I am absolutely devastated.”
“And nothing of value was lost.” Or so @nexta_tv seems to think:
One of the Russian bloggers cries. … She does not care at all about the thousands of dead people, including her compatriots. Obviously, her biggest worry right now is that she won’t be able to post pictures of food from restaurants.
But it cuts both ways. This Anonymous Coward ponders thuswise:
“Vladimir Hitler”
In the space of 15 days, the Russian economy has been sent back to 1991. The difference between then and now is that the Russian people of the time didn’t know what they were missing out on, but [now] they’ve had 30 years of western goods and technology—and all that’s been ditched.
…
At least Vladimir Hitler has restored one part of his Soviet Dream: The economy.
And Navalia Vigilate drives home the point:
“Stop being sensitive to Russian pain”
Forget your platitudes. People, including old and very young people, are dying every day. Russia needs to be pushed, pulled, and constrained in every manner possible. Otherwise we either give Ukraine up to Russia, and who knows which country next. Then NATO gets involved. Then the risks for a world wide conflagration never before witnessed becomes a serious possibility.
Stop being sensitive to Russian pain. This is about bringing a dangerous war to an end before it spirals out of control.
But how will the Kremlin explain it? aww**** channels the official messaging:
Everything Russians need is now on Putingram. You can post all of the pro-Russia pictures you want*, plus incriminating pictures of Ukrainian ‘nazis.’
Putingram—only best social media for the strongest country.
*—Not posting pro-Russia pictures is a crime, phones will be searched.
Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia. IceMetalPunk embraces doublethink:
When you’re an extremist government entrenched in propaganda, anyone telling the truth is an extremist in your eyes.
Meanwhile, domikai hopes against hope:
If you thought kids wheedling and complaining about screen-time was bad … wait until all they can see online is RT. Children make an excellent fifth column.
And Finally:
Now I understand where I’ve been going wrong
You have been reading SB Blogwatch by Richi Jennings. Richi curates the best bloggy bits, finest forums, and weirdest websites … so you don’t have to. Hate mail may be directed to @RiCHi or [email protected]. Ask your doctor before reading. Your mileage may vary. E&OE. 30.
Image sauce: Laura Chouette (via Unsplash; leveled and cropped)
