Meta spokesperson Andy Stone has been sentenced to six years in absentia by a Russian court for justifying terrorism. The charges stem from Stone’s 2022 announcement of temporary changes to Meta’s hate speech policy in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The policy changes allowed for forms of political expression that would normally violate the company’s rules, including violent speech such as ‘death to the Russian invaders.’
Stone, who is based in the United States, faces legal consequences amid escalating international tensions between Russia and the West. His sentencing comes as part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia, where authorities have moved to suppress criticism of the war in Ukraine.
The court’s decision has been met with criticism from human rights groups, who argue that it is a violation of Stone’s right to freedom of speech. Meta has also condemned the ruling, calling it a ‘grave injustice.’
The sentencing of Andy Stone serves as a reminder of the challenges facing social media companies operating in Russia. The government’s crackdown on dissent has made it difficult for these companies to balance their commitment to free speech with their need to comply with local laws.
