KATHMANDU: Facebook has shut down as many as 150 fake profiles linked to China for “co-ordinated” interference in political discussions.
This is the second time that Facebook has identified such fake accounts as originating in China.
While mainly concerned with backing China’s interests, some also posted about the US presidential election.
The network had about 130,000 followers – although very few of these were in the US.
Opened in 2016, the accounts’ most of the posts were related to China’s influence in the Philippines and South-East Asia.
Facebook said they were traced back to individuals based in Fujan province, who were beginning to pay for advertisements in Chinese yuan.
Much of the content was in support of the Chinese state – such as promoting its interests in the disputed South China Sea. (With inputs from Agencies)
Comment