Facebook takes down Chinese accounts active in US and Philippines politics
- The most widely followed accounts were sharing content supporting Beijing’s actions in South China Sea, as well as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
- Facebook says it could ‘act aggressively’ to restrict content in case of turmoil after US election
Facebook said on Tuesday it had removed a network of inauthentic Chinese accounts that were interfering in Asian and American politics, including some that posted material supporting and opposing US President Donald Trump.
The social networking company said it suspended 155 accounts on its main platform along with six Instagram accounts.
The most widely followed accounts and pages were in the Philippines, discussing topics including Beijing’s interests in the South China Sea, Hong Kong, support for Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter’s potential run in that nation’s 2022 presidential election, as well as criticism of Rappler, an independent news organisation in the Philippines.
Facebook also removed a second network originating in the Philippines. These accounts posted in Filipino and English about local news and events including domestic politics, military activities against terrorism, a pending anti-terrorism bill, criticism of communism, youth activists and opposition, the company said.
The US accounts had fewer followers and posted content fuelling both sides of the American election that will be held on November 3 rather than exclusively supporting one side, the company said.
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Facebook cybersecurity policy chief Nathaniel Gleicher said that the takedown was the company’s first of Chinese-based accounts on foreign interference grounds with any engagement in US politics.