US: YouTube removes right-wing channels amid allegations of Russian influence
Department of Justice
YouTube has removed several right-wing political channels, including Tenet Media and four other channels associated with right-wing media entrepreneur Lauren Chen. This action follows allegations from the United States Department ofJustice (DOJ)that Russian government employees were paying US right-wing influencers to create content.
A YouTube spokesperson stated on Thursday that the channels were removed as part of the platform's "ongoing efforts to combat coordinated influence operations."
The Justice Department indicted two employees from the Russian government-supported media outlet RT, formerly known as Russia Today, on Wednesday. They are accused of illegally financing a Tennessee-based media group.
Although Tenet Media is not named directly in the indictment, a quote from Tenet's YouTube channel listed in the indictment suggests it may be the targeted media group. Some right-wing influencers have since identified Tenet as the company in question.
Prosecutors claim the founders of the media company in the indictment were aware their funding came from Moscow and privately acknowledged this in their communications.
YouTube was a primary platform for Tenet Media's videos and was popular among traditional media figures, including those who have worked with Tenet, such as Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, and Dave Rubin.
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Tim Pool took toX (formerly Twitter) and said,"If these allegations are true, then I, along with other personalities and commentators, were deceived and are victims. I can't speak for others at the company about their actions or instructions. However, we still do not know what is true since these are only allegations. Putin is a scumbag, Russia sucks donkey b****."
Benny Johnson commented, "A year ago, a media startup approached my company to provide content as an independent contractor. Our lawyers arranged a standard, arms-length deal, which was later ended. We are alarmed by the allegations in today’s indictment, which suggest that I and other influencers were victims of this alleged scheme. My lawyers will address anyone who suggests otherwise."
Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, YouTube also removed RT’s globally popular channels from the platform.
(With inputs from agencies)