YouTube Shuts Down Tenet Media Channels Amid DOJ Indictment

Alphabet's YouTube has terminated the Tenet Media channel and four channels operated by its owner, Lauren Chen. This action follows an indictment from the U.S. Department of Justice, which charged two Russian state media employees with money laundering to influence the 2024 presidential election through online content.

Alphabet's YouTube announced on Thursday the termination of the Tenet Media channel and four other channels operated by Tenet's owner, Lauren Chen. This decision follows an indictment from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Justice Department filed money-laundering charges against two employees of Russian state media network RT. Officials allege these individuals used shell companies and fake personas to pay $10 million to a Tennessee company for producing online content to influence the 2024 presidential election.

Though the indictment does not name the company, court details align with Tenet Media, a Nashville-based firm with nearly 2,000 YouTube videos in less than a year. Tenet has not responded to requests for comment on the channel terminations.

(With inputs from agencies.)