Facebook removes fake accounts that interfered with politics

The company "Facebook" said that it had removed a network of fake Chinese accounts that were interfering in Asian and American policies, including accounts that published materials supporting the US President, Donald Trump, and others opposing him.

The social media company added that it had suspended 155 accounts on its main platform, as well as six accounts on "Instagram".

The accounts and pages were the most popular and followed in the Philippines, where these accounts shared content supporting China's actions in the disputed South China Sea and the Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte.

"Facebook" stated that the accounts interested in American affairs had fewer followers and published content that supported both sides of the US elections that will be held on the third of next November.

Facebook's director of cybersecurity policy, Nathaniel Gleicher, said the deletion was the first by the company of China-based accounts on the basis of interference in foreign affairs with any connection to US policy.

But he indicated that the accounts and groups interested in the American issue seemed to aim mainly to mobilize an audience.

"The volume of content is very low and it is very difficult to assess their target," he added.

And "Facebook" indicated that the network of accounts, pages and groups, used virtual private networks and other tools to appear as if they were operating from somewhere other than China.

Follow our latest local and sports news, and the latest political and economic developments via Google news