YouTube has blocked channels featuring Russian propaganda cartoon series ’Masha and the Bear’ in Ukraine
YouTube has blocked three channels featuring the Russian animated series "Masha and the Bear" within Ukraine.
This has been reported by the Centre for Countering Disinformation, according to Censor.NET.
Details
It is reported that YouTube has blocked three channels in Ukraine dedicated to a propaganda animated series — one in Russian, one in Ukrainian and one in English.
The Centre for Public Diplomacy explained that all three channels are listed in the National Security and Defence Council’s sanctions decision, which was brought into force by a decree of the President of Ukraine.
"Blocking these channels restricts Ukrainian children’s access to this content and deprives Russia of yet another platform for generating revenue and exerting hybrid influence," they added.
What led up to it?
- On 21 August, Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted the National Security and Defence Council’s decision on sanctions against the ‘Animaccord’ studio and five individuals involved in the production of the cartoon ‘Masha and the Bear’. The decree states that the series propagates pro-Russian narratives disguised as children’s content, which poses a threat to Ukraine’s national security.
- Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the President of Ukraine’s Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, emphasised the need to counter Russian propaganda, which is being disseminated amongst children via major international platforms.
