Russia moves to restrict Facebook over alleged censorship of Russian state-run media

Facebook is facing potential restrictions in Russia amid claims by the Russian government that it censored several state-run media accounts in that country.

The Russian government said this week that Facebook had partially restricted accounts run by four separate government media organizations, specifically Gazeta.ru, Zvezda TV channel, Lenta.ru and RIA Novosti news agency.

"Such actions against Russian Internet resources and the media are prohibited by [Russian federal law]," the Russian government said in a statement.

The statement said that Facebook "ignored the requirements" set forth by the government, and that Facebook through its restrictions was "involved in the violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms, as well as the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens."