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YouTube has removed several right-wing political channels, including Tenet Media and four others operated by Lauren Chen, following an indictment by the US Justice Department.
The indictment, issued on September 4, alleges that two Russian government employees funneled nearly $10 million into Tenet Media, a Tennessee-based organization, as part of a Kremlin-backed influence operation targeting the 2024 US election.
Just an FYI. You can feel however you want about @watchTENETnow. Youtube DELETED their entire channel as well as Lauren Chen's personal channel without a trial, without a guilty verdict. A simple claim of wrongdoing it all it took
Their channels are still live on @rumblevideo
— TheQuartering (@TheQuartering) September 6, 2024
This alleged operation involved paying US-based right-wing influencers to create and disseminate content that promoted pro-Russian narratives, including support for candidates like Republican nominee Donald Trump.
A new DoJ indictment alleges that RT employees "covertly fund[ed] and direct[ed]" a US company with $10m in order to push pro-Russia content. The company is based in Tennessee.
There is one media company based in Tennessee with the same phrase listed in the indictment… pic.twitter.com/omGqEmwTLW
— Aric Toler (@AricToler) September 4, 2024
According to the indictment, Tenet Media hosted several prominent right-wing commentators, including Benny Johnson, Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and Tayler Hansen.
However, some of these personalities, such as Tayler Hansen, have since come forward to claim they were unaware of any Russian involvement and maintained editorial control over their content, distancing their brand from any form of personal influence.
Statement on the DOJ indictment:
These allegations clearly show that I and other commentators were the victims of this scheme.
I knew absolutely nothing about any of this fraudulent activity. Period.
‘People of the Internet’ was a silly show covering viral videos which ended… pic.twitter.com/KQHYDUi3ot
— Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) September 4, 2024
The latest channel takedown is part of YouTube’s broader initiative to combat misinformation and malicious activity.
In partnership with Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG), YouTube removed over 4,000 channels in Q2 2024 to disrupt the influence of bad actors. TAG has also been instrumental in identifying and exposing state-sponsored threats, including the Russian hackers behind the recent password-spraying attack on Microsoft.
YouTube has indicated that its investigation is ongoing, and additional measures may be taken if further evidence emerges regarding the scope of Russian involvement and potential targeting of other platforms.
As the U.S. election season intensifies, online platforms like YouTube, Meta, and others will remain targets. As such, these platforms must monitor and address suspected influence operations to maintain the integrity of online discussions and ensure a secure environment for users.
