On the morning of August 3, 2026, journalists from the investigative media outlet “Monitor” discovered that their Facebook page had been blocked. “Monitor” received a notification from Meta alleging a copyright violation. The media outlet categorically ruled out any “copyright violation.”

Nino Zuriashvili, head of Studio “Monitor,” links the blocking of the page to a journalistic investigation concerning fraudulent call centers, which is scheduled to be published today. The media outlet had already released an announcement about it.

As a result of communication with Meta, “Monitor’s” page was restored on the evening of the same day.

This is already the third instance in the last month where “Monitor’s” platforms have been targeted by a cyberattack. On July 25, Studio “Monitor’s” YouTube channel was taken down, which was restored following an appeal. On July 1, Meta deleted several pieces of content on “Monitor’s” Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The blocking of the investigative media’s online platforms happened every time due to complaints submitted from obscure email addresses. The cyberattacks coincided in time with the release of critical investigative documentaries by the media outlet. During the previous two attacks, in one instance, the subject of the investigation was the Russian ties of a fraudulent network of online casinos and their affiliated construction companies. In the second instance, it involved investigations related to the family of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze and his corrupt dealings.

Following these cyberattacks, “Monitor” discovered that blocking online platforms is easily achievable, and the fee a client pays for this service ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. For example, this amount was paid to someone named Aditya Singh to block “Monitor’s” YouTube channel. He confirmed to “Monitor” that he was commissioned to block their YouTube; however, he did not disclose the client’s identity, as the actual client had contacted him through another “intermediary.”

“Studio Monitor” is known for its hard-hitting journalistic investigations. Because of this, it has recently become the target of verbal attacks by high-ranking officials of the “Georgian Dream” party on multiple occasions.