A Russian court has banned the use of Facebook and Instagram - slamming parent company Meta as "extremist".
People in Russia will now no longer be able to use Facebook or Instagram, with the court ruling that they were "carrying out extremist activities.
“The activities of the Meta organisation are directed against Russia and its armed forces,” representative Igor Kovalevsky told the court, according to the Russian state news agency TASS.
Read more: Ukraine Russia news LIVE as Zelenskyy says they have 'slowed' Russian attacks
Kovalesky, representing the FSB security service, also accused Meta of creating an “alternative reality” where “hatred for the Russians was kindled”, per TASS.
However, as WhatsApp is seen as a communication channel as opposed to a source of information, that will be exempt from the ban on Meta's apps.
It means that WhatsApp and YouTube are the only remaining Western social channels in Russia.
The court order follows Russia's announcement earlier this month that it would block access to Facebook and Twitter after Meta banned several state media accounts.
It comes as US President Joe Biden has warned of a potential cyber attack as retaliation from Russia against EU and NATO sanctions.
A statement from the White House reads: " I have previously warned about the potential that Russia could conduct malicious cyber activity against the United States, including as a response to the unprecedented economic costs we’ve imposed on Russia alongside our allies and partners. It’s part of Russia’s playbook"
Read more: Mother left mortified with €5,000 taxi order to 'help Ukraine' after one too many drinks
Read more: Eight killed after Russia bombs houses and shopping centres in Ukraine capital Kyiv
