MOSCOW: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday accused YouTube of “censorship” after the US video-sharing platform blocked the German-language channels of state broadcaster RT.
The move comes amid an escalating standoff between foreign tech giants and the Kremlin as Russia seeks greater control over content available online to its domestic audience.
“There are signs that the laws of the Russian Federation have been violated — and violated very grossly. This is associated with censorship and with obstruction to the dissemination of information in the media,” Peskov told reporters.
He said that Russian law should apply in this case as the two channels — RT DE and Der Fehlende Part — are subsidiaries of a Russian company, despite operating in Germany.
“We should not rule out the possibility of taking measures to force this platform to comply with our laws,” he added.
“There must be zero tolerance for such violations.”
Earlier Wednesday Russia’s foreign ministry accused YouTube of an “unprecedented act of media aggression” which it said was likely aided by German authorities.
And Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor threatened to restrict access to YouTube in the country.
It said the platform could be issued with a warning and “the law provides for measures of full or partial restriction of access” if such warnings are ignored.
Kremlin blasts YouTube for ‘censorship’ after German RT channels blocked
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Kremlin blasts YouTube for ‘censorship’ after German RT channels blocked
- Russia accuses YouTube of “censorship”after the platform blocked the German language channel of Russia Today
DCO and Arab News partner to combat digital misinformation, explore AI’s impact on media
KUWAIT CITY: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the international Saudi newspaper Arab News have signed a Letter of Engagement aimed at strengthening knowledge and expertise exchange on the impact of artificial intelligence in the media sector, as well as leveraging expert insights to develop best practices to combat online misinformation amid accelerating technological advancements.
DCO said this step aligned with its efforts to strengthen collaboration with international media institutions to support responsible dialogue around digital transformation and contribute to building a more reliable, inclusive, and sustainable digital media environment.
Commenting on the agreement, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, said: “At a moment when AI is reshaping how truth is produced, distributed, and trusted, partnership with credible media institutions is essential.”
She added that “working with Arab News allows us to bridge technology and journalism in a way that protects integrity, strengthens public trust, and elevates responsible innovation. This collaboration is about equipping media ecosystems with the tools, insight, and ethical grounding needed to navigate AI’s impact, while ensuring digital transformation serves people and their prosperity.”
Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, emphasized that the partnership enhances media institutions’ ability to keep pace with technological shifts, noting that engagement with representatives of DCO Member States enables deeper understanding of emerging technologies and regulatory developments in the digital space.
He added: “DCO’s commitment to initiatives addressing online content integrity reflects a clear dedication to supporting a responsible digital environment that serves societies and strengthens trust in the digital ecosystem.”
The Letter of agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Fifth DCO General Assembly held in Kuwait City under the theme “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI”, alongside the second edition of the International Digital Cooperation Forum, held from 4–5 February, which brought together ministers, policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives from more than 60 countries to strengthen international cooperation toward a human-centric, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy.
