Instagram Is Abruptly Banned In Russia, Leaving 60 Million Users Hanging

Nearly 60 million Instagram users have been barred from accessing the photo-sharing network as Russia officially banned the app over the weekend.

Roskomnadzor, the country’s communications authorities, announced it was shuttering the service last Friday, giving users a 48-hour grace period to say their goodbyes.

“The Russian government has decided to block Instagram in Russia, cutting off millions of people from loved ones and friends around the world,” said Instagram chief Adam Mosseri.

“We know that over 80% of people in Russia on Instagram follow an account from outside Russia. The situation is terrifying, and we are trying to do all we can to keep people safe,” he added.

According to the Washington Post, Russia is restricting the app following Meta’s decision to allow posts calling for violence with regards to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Facebook and Instagram’s parent company said it was making an exception for posts that were “political expression,” while still sanctioning calls for violence against ordinary Russian citizens.

[via The Washington Post and CNN, cover image via Dimarik16 | Dreamstime.com]