When US Social Media Urged To Get Into Hybrid War To Resist Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine

Illustration of hybrid war, modern war involving conventional combat weapons combined with propaganda on social media. (Photo: strategyinternational.org)

JAKARTA - It's all wrong and in an uncomfortable position, that's what the giant technology companies of the United States (US) are currently feeling. The international community continues to put pressure on them to take a stand so that they too will oppose the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

US technology companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have the power of cyberspace because they can reach the whole world. Technology companies have a goal of making a profit. If they ignore the pressure of the international community, it will be bad for the future of their business.

Since Russia made trouble, US companies such as Apple, Google, and Netflix at the urging of Ukraine immediately cut ties with Russia. Facebook has suspended its services for not complying with Russia's wishes.

Mark Zuckerberg, leader of Meta Platforms which is the parent of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. (Photo: ANTARA)

Likewise, Twitter states that its network can only be accessed by a few people in Russia. Last year Twitter was threatened with fines and the network was slowed down because Russia asked Twitter to remove certain content.

President and CEO of the Center for European Policy Analysis, Alina Polyakova wrote on Twitter: “Western companies are providing a space for Russian citizens to get information about Russian atrocities in Ukraine. And the Kremlin aggressively hides the truth.”

Meta, which is the parent of Facebook and Youtube, has limited the capabilities of its Russian state-run mass media before coming under stronger pressure from the community.

Ukraine invites to war with Russia

Ukrainian Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov wrote in a post on Twitter: "I beg you not to provide the Russian Federation with Apple services and products, including access to the Apple Store!"

Annoyed and left alone, the Ukrainian government invited all the people to join the fight against the Russian troops. Ukraine also turned to almost everyone for help including Apple CEO, Tim Cook.

Last year, Google and Apple bowed to the governments of certain countries to get them to remove opposition apps. In an instant, Google and Apple got a public outcry. The crisis in Ukraine has made technology companies blaspheme again because they are considered not optimal in curbing the flow of false information, hoaxes, and misleading news about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

US Senator Mark Warner wrote in a letter to the CEO of Alphabet which is Google's parent company: “Your platform continues to be a tool used by bad actors, especially those affiliated with the Russian Government. They not only spread hoax information but also took advantage of the situation.”

Refugees in Donbas, a Ukrainian territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists. (Photo: BBC)

Warner also sent letters to Meta, Reddit, Telegram, TikTok, and Twitter. He accused YouTube of continuing to allow content from famous and influential people associated with Russia's efforts to expand its influence.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has seen the value and public interest in dominant social media platforms like Facebook drop, in an unprecedented way. The reason for this is slowing growth and its small advertising business.

Former security expert at Facebook Alex Stamos said that it is appropriate for US companies to take a stand and side with courage in geopolitical conflicts. "This should be an easy decision," he was quoted as saying by Reuters.

That is what happened in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Modern warfare is now often called a hybrid war. Not only do fighting machines fire bullets to attack enemy areas, but also communication machines to spread disinformation and cyber warfare.