Russians not to be punished for using Facebook, Instagram

Citizens of Russia can use the products of Meta (the activity of the organization, as well as Facebook and Instagram is prohibited on the territory of the Russian Federation), if they do not conduct extremist activities, according to the decision of the Tverskoy Court of Moscow, which banned the organization's activities in Russia.

"These measures of judicial protection do not limit the use of Meta's software products by individuals and legal entities not participating in activities prohibited by law," the court's decision said.

On March 21, the court has recognized the activities of Instagram and Facebook, owned by Meta Platforms, as extremist and banned their operation in Russia. Earlier, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) insisted on banning Instagram and Facebook.

The ban does not apply to Meta’s WhatsApp messenger, the prosecutor explained earlier. Under the court ruling, Meta is banned from opening offices and conducting commercial activities in Russia.