Russia has placed Meta Platforms' spokesperson, Andy Stone, on a wanted list on unspecified charges, according to the Russian news agency TASS. The details of the investigation and charges have not been disclosed by the Russian Interior Ministry. This move comes after Russia classified Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, as a "terrorist and extremist" organization, leading to possible criminal investigations and fines for users in Russia. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Meta's social platforms have been banned in Russia. In March 2022, the Russian investigative committee opened a criminal investigation into Meta's employees, including Stone, accusing him of inciting extremist activity by lifting a ban on calls for violence against the Russian military on its platforms. Meta's press office has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Sources:

- Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-puts-metas-spokesperson-wanted-list-state-tass-2023-11-26/

- Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/russia-puts-meta-s-spokesperson-on-wanted-list-launches-criminal-investigation-101641523744469.html

- The Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/facilitating-terrorism-business-technology-russia-mark-zuckerberg-18f32bed01f1a9ba70cc0f331811457a