Facebook takes down Chinese network targeting Philippines, Southeast Asia and the US

Facebook announced Tuesday that it took down two networks promoting government propaganda.

The first, located in China, primarily targeted the Philippines and South East Asian countries.

The network used fake accounts to spread messaging about China’s naval actions in the South China Sea, Hong Kong and support of Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.

It also posted content in the U.S. in support of or against presidential contenders Joe Biden, Donald Trump and Pete Buttigieg. However, the network “focused the least and gained almost no following” in the U.S.

The individuals behind the network tried to conceal their identities, but Facebook found links to people in the Fujian province of China.

Facebook took down 155 Facebook accounts, 11 Pages, nine Groups and six Instagram accounts affiliated with the network.

The second network originated in the Philippines and targeted users there, pushing pro-Duterte content.

Under Facebook’s policies against government interference that relies on coordinated inauthentic behavior, 57 accounts, 31 Pages and 20 Instagram accounts were removed.