Russia blocks Facebook_ passes 'fake news' law

Russia said it would block Facebook for excluding state media and CNN said it would stop broadcasting in Russia after a new law punishing "fake news" raised the stakes in Moscow's fight with foreign corporation.

Friday marked an escalation in the dispute that began after the invasion of Ukraine. Russia blocked a wave of media companies and new_ big names announced they were shutting down Russia sales_ including Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) and video game maker Electronic Arts Inc.

Russia said that Meta Platforms Inc's Facebook was being blocked for restricting state-backed channels_ and it also blocked websites of the BBC_ Deutsche Welle and Voice of America for what it said was false information about the war in Ukraine.

Twitter will also be blocked_ Russian media said.

The BBC said it would temporarily suspend its work in Russia after introduction of a new law that could jail anyone found to be intentionally spreading "fake" news.

AT&T Inc's (T.N) CNN is stopping broadcasts to "evaluate the situation and our next steps moving forward_" a spokesperson said.

Meta's head of global affairs_ Nick Clegg_ said the company would continue to do everything possible to restore its services.

"Soon millions of ordinary Russians will find themselves cut off from reliable information_ deprived of their everyday ways of connecting with family and friends and silenced from speaking out_" he said_ in a statement posted on Twitter.

Many Russians have downloaded VPN software to avoid state restrictions_ but internet provider Cogent (CCOI.O)_ which said it was the second-largest carrier out of Russia_ disclosed plans to cut service_ partly to avoid being used for cyberattacks.

A slew of major Western brands in a broad range of industries has exited from Russia. Some of the best known have sharply rebuked Moscow for the attack on Ukraine. Others have described reacting to circumstances_ including luxury goods maker LVMH (LVMH.PA) which on Friday said it would temporarily shut 124 shops in Russia.

Canadian Tire (CTCa.TO) also announced it would temporarily close 41 Russian stores of its Helly Hansen outerwear and luggage group_ and private jet maker Bombardier Inc said it had suspended all activities with Russian clients_ adhering to international laws.

Shipping and supply-chain issues have made it difficult to work in Russia_ as well. Companies form Royal Dutch Shell to Apple Inc (AAPL.O) to Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) have taken actions from stopping sales and operations to exiting completely. Agricultural commodity merchant Louis Dreyfus announced suspension of operations in Russia on Friday.