For a while, it seemed to have calmed down for alleged attempts to influence elections, especially in the US. But now, Facebook claims to have stolen three Iranian and one Russian-controlled network of fake Instagram and Facebook accounts. Those responsible had spent themselves partly as resident in the USA and American with controversial political messages aimed at, communicated the enterprise on Monday. Other destinations were North African and Latin American countries.
There are "some connections" to the Russian "troll factory" IRA, said the cyber security responsible Nathaniel Gleicher. The campaign looked like a well-equipped operation, with end-to-end action by those responsible to conceal their identity and location.
The four different networks had sites and accounts operated, the three- to five-digit followers had. Facebook does not remove such networks based on published content, but instead detects coordinated behavior while concealing identity. Typically, the messages from these networks are targeted at minorities or seek to increase tension or social polarization.
State controlled media should be labeled
Researcher Ben Nimmo of Graphika, who was involved in the investigation, told Reuters news agency that the disseminated material could appeal to both Democrats and Republicans alike. For the most part, the members of the network had been busy copying "real material from real Americans". "This may indicate an attempt to cover up language deficits," said Nimmo. These would have facilitated the detection in the past.
Facebook is taking further action to curb the spread of propaganda and fake news on the online network. In the future, state-controlled media - such as the Russian television channel Russia Today - should be clearly labeled as such. In addition, the online network will be more prominent in posts criticized by independent fact-testers, as Facebook announced on Monday.
Accounts of elected politicians, election candidates and their staff should be strengthened in a program called "Facebook Protect" strengthened, it was said on Monday. In addition, Facebook wants to be more vigilant against attempts to intimidate voters or misinform voters about, for example, the location and timing of the vote.
