Facebook has removed hundreds of pages for the Russian participation in the operation to manipulate the people

The Department of cybersecurity Facebook revealed hundreds of pages and accounts that participated in a coordinated operation to manipulate public opinion.

Criminals associated with the Russian news Agency Sputnik, launched a network pseudoelastic resources. According to the head of the Department of cybersecurity Facebook Nathaniel Gleicher, employees of the company identified 3 coordinated operations the effect on the audience of a social network.

People registered pages and accounts usually was a made-up personalities. They shared Russian and Ukrainian news and, simultaneously spreading anti-NATO sentiments and introducing people astray with false information.

Facebook has removed hundreds of pages for the Russian participation in the operation to manipulate the people

In two cases the emphasis was on Russia, the Baltic countries and Central Europe. The vast majority of accounts have been connected with the Moscow inform-Agency «Sputnik». Since 2013, the owners of these pages has spent more than $135 million on advertising in Facebook.

In the above-mentioned resources was signed by more than 790 thousand users. Information about their activities, the company’s management passed to law enforcement agencies and US Congress.

A separate operation to influence public opinion was held on the territory of Ukraine. People posing as citizens of this country, registered a fake page and actively shared with local news. Among the major topics: protests, NATO, and health issues in educational institutions.

Facebook has removed hundreds of pages for the Russian participation in the operation to manipulate the people

In total, these pages were signed by more than 180 thousand users. Here, the organizers coordinated operation also does not skimp on advertising. According to Facebook, over the years she has spent $25 thousand

The leadership of the social network said the company does not wish to use her service someone had manipulated over the people. The cybersecurity division will continue to monitor «inappropriate behaviour» by removing suspicious accounts and pages.

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