Facebook Closes Hundreds Of 'inauthentic' Russia-linked Pages
Daniyal Sohail Published January 17, 2019 | 10:56 PM
Facebook announced Thursday that it has removed more than 500 pages, groups and accounts originating in Russia for engaging in what the social network called "coordinated inauthentic behavior
"We didn't find any links between these operations, but they used similar tactics by creating networks of accounts to mislead others about who they were and what they were doing," Nathaniel Gleicher, the head of Facebook's cybersecurity policy, said in a post.
He said 364 pages and accounts were removed that posed as independent news sites or general interest sites but were found to be linked to employees of Sputnik, a Moscow-based news agency.
Those operated in the Baltics, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Central and Eastern European countries, Facebook said.
"Some of the pages frequently posted about topics like anti-NATO sentiment, protest movements, and anti-corruption," Gleicher said.
Sputnik confirmed that its Facebook pages and accounts were removed, denouncing the action as "undoubtedly a purely political decision and in fact censorship." Another 107 pages, groups and accounts were removed from Facebook and 41 from Facebook-owned Instagram that were identified as part of a Russia-based network targeting Ukraine.
"We identified some technical overlap with Russia-based activity we saw prior to the US midterm elections, including behavior that shared characteristics with previous internet Research Agency (IRA) activity," Facebook said.
In those cases, Facebook acted on a tip from US law enforcement, the post said.
US intelligence says the IRA is a troll farm linked to Russian intelligence.
Facebook has come under intense pressure from a wave of scandals, mainly over the sharing of its users' data without their consent but also over the rampant use of its platform for Russian "fake news" influence campaigns during the 2016 US presidential elections.
Recent Stories
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
Law Minister expresses Govt's resolve to address issue of missing persons
Rizwan’s batting order may be changed: Sources
Nawaz Sharif to visit Guangzhou exhibition in China
FM Dar not traveling to China: Foreign Office
PM takes notice of deliberate delay in tax cases
Iranian President visits Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum
Iranian President arrives in Lahore today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 23 April 2024
More Stories From Technology
-
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
6 hours ago -
Pro Tips: How to Capture Stunning Portraits with the Aura Light Portrait of vivo V30 5G
2 days ago -
Itel celebrates launch of S24—a new brand identity
2 days ago -
Realme C53 Price Slash: High-Tech Meets High Style at New Low Price!
4 days ago -
Take Charge, Live Free: Empower Your Life with Infinix NOTE 40 Series
5 days ago -
PTA Undertakes Consultation with All Pakistan Network Association (APNA) on Proposed Class Value Add ..
5 days ago
-
Vivo V30 5G: The Perfect Blend of Enhanced Photography and Premium Design
7 days ago -
PITB's Regional Plan 9 invites applications for its newly launched incubation centers in Rawalpindi, ..
8 days ago -
Pakistan calls for enhanced information integrity on digital platforms
8 days ago -
Infinix NOTE 40 Series vs. the Competition: Why It Stands Out
9 days ago -
"Unlock Exceptional Value: The New realme Note 50 with Extended Warranty Now Available in Pakistan!� ..
9 days ago -
Google unveils new AI chips, arm-based processor for data centers
14 days ago