YouTube Uses DOJ Allegations To Justify Axing Tenet Media’s Channel Without Due Process
SUMMARY
YouTube removed Tenet Media and related channels on Thursday, following accusations by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that the company was part of a Russian influence operation. The DOJ alleged that Russian state media secretly funded the Tennessee-based company and others to spread what it described as Kremlin propaganda through platforms like YouTube and X. The indictment detailed how Tenet Media posted nearly 2,000 videos without disclosing its alleged Kremlin financing. Right-wing influencers such as Dave Rubin, Tim Pool, and Benny Johnson were linked to the company, though many denied any knowledge of the alleged Russian ties. In response, YouTube removed Tenet Media’s channel, as well as those of its founder, Lauren Chen, and other affiliated accounts, citing its ongoing efforts to combat influence operations. The DOJ’s press release was deemed enough justification for the removal, despite ongoing litigation and the lack of a final verdict.
