Facebook Takes Down Two Networks for 'Inauthentic Behavior' on Behalf of a Foreign or Government Entity

   By Maria Armental 
 

Facebook Inc. has removed two networks of more than 100 accounts with ties to China and the Philippines, accusing them of a waging a coordinated, misleading campaign focused on political issues and, in some cases, wading into the U.S. presidential election.

"When we investigate and remove these operations, we focus on behavior rather than content, no matter who's behind them, what they post, or whether they're foreign or domestic," Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook's head of security policy, wrote in a blog post.

The latest actions, part of Facebook's fighting inauthentic behavior on its platform, led to the removal of 155 accounts, 11 pages, 9 groups and 6 Instagram accounts in connection with the network that it said originated in China and that is said to have focused on the Philippines and Southeast Asia--and, to a lesser extent, on the U.S.

In addition, Facebook removed 57 Facebook accounts, 31 pages and 20 Instagram accounts in connection to the network that it said originated in the Philippines and focused on audiences and issues affecting that country.

For example, the network said to have originated in China posted in Chinese, Filipino and English about Beijing's interests in the China Sea and content that supported Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Sarah Duterte's potential run in the 2022 presidential election, Facebook said.

The network also posted content--for and against--U.S. presidential candidates, including Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, the Democratic and Republican nominees, respectively.

Write to Maria Armental at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 22, 2020 18:06 ET (22:06 GMT)

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