Social Media Firms Have Come to Ban 'Kicking' and 'Psychological War on Society’: Russia Plunges Ukraine into Darkness
“Russia’s attacks plunge Ukraine into darkness as social media firms face pressure to curb harmful content”
In a chilling escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has reportedly launched cyber and physical attacks against Ukraine that have plunged large areas into darkness, targeting the nation’s critical infrastructure. At the same time, social media platforms are facing scrutiny over their role in moderating content related to the war, with authorities globally pushing tech companies to prevent misinformation, psychological manipulation, and content that could exacerbate societal harm.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner recently emphasized that social media firms have been forced to act “kicking and screaming” to curb harmful content, highlighting the growing responsibility these platforms have in addressing online safety during global crises.
Ukraine’s Energy and Cyber Crisis
Reports indicate that Russia’s attacks have severely affected Ukraine’s power grid, leaving millions without electricity amid winter conditions. Officials describe this as part of a broader psychological and strategic campaign, aiming to disrupt daily life, reduce morale, and pressure the Ukrainian government.
Key impacts include:
Widespread blackouts affecting households, hospitals, and schools
Interruption of water and heating services due to energy grid dependence
Increased public anxiety, fueling fears of further attacks or instability
Experts describe these attacks as a form of psychological warfare, targeting civilians’ sense of safety and the country’s operational resilience.
Psychological Warfare and Its Implications
The targeting of essential services is considered a tactic of psychological war, designed to create fear, uncertainty, and dependence. Analysts note that:
Disruptions in electricity and communication amplify panic and stress
Media and social networks can unintentionally spread fear if misinformation circulates
Psychological pressure can impact public morale and trust in government, compounding the effects of physical attacks
Such tactics highlight the intersection between cyber operations, military strategy, and societal impact, making it crucial for governments and social media platforms to manage both information and physical infrastructure risks.
The Role of Social Media Firms
Amid the conflict, social media platforms are under scrutiny for their responsibility to:
Remove harmful content that spreads misinformation or incites violence
Limit psychological manipulation through viral posts, fake accounts, and propaganda
Ensure accurate reporting, particularly for vulnerable audiences relying on social media for updates
Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, noted that social media firms have historically been slow to enforce bans and moderate harmful content but are now acting “kicking and screaming” under regulatory and public pressure. She emphasized that online safety is critical during periods of international crisis, where misinformation and psychological manipulation can exacerbate suffering and instability.
Global Regulatory Response
Countries around the world are grappling with how to regulate content moderation during conflicts:
Governments are requiring platforms to remove violent or misleading content promptly
There is a push for transparent reporting of moderation decisions
Collaboration with international organizations aims to combat propaganda and protect civilian well-being
The Ukraine-Russia conflict underscores the importance of these measures, as social media becomes a primary battlefield for public perception and psychological influence.
Impact on Ukrainian Civilians
The dual threat of physical blackouts and online misinformation has had profound effects on civilians:
Citizens struggle with cold homes, disrupted healthcare, and limited communication
Anxiety and stress levels are elevated due to conflicting reports on attacks, casualties, and safety measures
Community support systems are strained, as resources must be divided between energy restoration, security, and public information management
Psychologists and humanitarian organizations warn that prolonged exposure to cyber-physical attacks and online manipulation can have lasting mental health consequences.
Security and Cyber Measures
Ukraine has been working with international partners to harden critical infrastructure and counter cyber threats. Measures include:
Reinforcing power grids and deploying backup energy solutions
Monitoring online content for propaganda and misinformation
Public advisories to guide citizens on reliable information sources and safety measures
Experts highlight that effective coordination between government, civil society, and tech companies is essential to minimize the impact of psychological warfare tactics.
Social Media Responsibility
The crisis emphasizes that social media platforms are no longer just communication tools—they are a strategic vector in global conflicts. Their responsibilities include:
Proactively detecting propaganda and disinformation campaigns
Supporting accurate, verified reporting to help citizens make informed decisions
Protecting users from content designed to manipulate or terrify
Regulators like Australia’s eSafety office argue that platforms must prioritize user safety over engagement metrics, particularly during crises where content can amplify real-world harm.
International Lessons
The situation in Ukraine provides important lessons for global policymakers:
Conflict zones require integrated approaches—cybersecurity, energy resilience, and information management must work together
Social media moderation is critical to prevent psychological manipulation
Public awareness and education are essential to help citizens navigate misinformation and maintain mental resilience
By combining technology, regulation, and community action, governments and platforms can better protect societies during times of crisis.
Conclusion
The unfolding situation in Ukraine demonstrates the interconnectedness of physical attacks, psychological warfare, and online content management. As Russia continues its campaign to disrupt infrastructure, social media platforms face increasing pressure to moderate content responsibly, protecting users from misinformation and harmful manipulation.
Julie Inman Grant’s statement that platforms are now acting “kicking and screaming” highlights both the reluctance and necessity of enforcing these safeguards. Global experiences from Ukraine serve as a stark reminder that cyber, physical, and social dimensions of conflict are increasingly intertwined, requiring coordinated action from governments, tech firms, and civil society to maintain safety, resilience, and societal well-being.
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