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Tech Giants Crack Down on Russian Drone Recruitment Targeting Foreign Women

Tech Giants Crack Down on Russian Drone Recruitment Targeting Foreign Women

Tech Giants Remove Russian Accounts Linked to Drone Manufacturing Recruitment

In a coordinated effort, major tech companies including Google, Meta, and TikTok have taken down multiple social media accounts associated with a Russian industrial plant. The accounts were reportedly used to recruit young foreign women for drone manufacturing jobs supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.

The account removals followed an Associated Press (AP) investigation that uncovered poor working conditions at the facility. Social media posts had promised free travel to Russia and attractive salaries exceeding $500 per month. However, women who responded to these offers found themselves in drone production roles instead of the advertised work-study programs.

Workers reported numerous issues, including extended work hours, constant surveillance, unfulfilled wage promises, and exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. The recruitment efforts primarily targeted women aged 18-22 from African and South Asian countries, with plans to expand to Asia and Latin America.

In response to these findings, YouTube, Meta, and TikTok swiftly removed content that violated their policies and international sanctions. TikTok emphasized its commitment to enforcing community guidelines against exploitation.

The Russian plant, known as Alabuga, employed a sophisticated social media strategy to attract potential recruits. Their accounts featured videos showcasing positive work and leisure experiences, as well as visits from foreign dignitaries. Some of this content was deleted following the AP’s investigation.

Reports indicate that Alabuga Polytechnic, an educational institution associated with the plant, is involved in drone production training. Concerns have been raised about the young age of some students and the military-themed exercises conducted at the facility.

The recruitment campaign also involved social media influencers who promoted Alabuga as a job opportunity. TikTok has since removed these promotional videos in light of the recent revelations.

Despite the removal of accounts on major platforms, Alabuga’s presence remains active on Telegram. The plant and its management have not responded to AP’s requests for comment on the matter.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by tech companies in monitoring and regulating content related to international conflicts and labor practices.