ADVERTISEMENT

Facebook 'better prepared' for election meddling, CEO says

Zuckerberg, posting on his Facebook page, outlined a series of steps the leading social network has taken to protect against misinformation and manipulation campaigns aimed at disrupting elections.

"We've identified and removed fake accounts ahead of elections in France, Germany, Alabama, Mexico and Brazil," Zuckerberg said.

"We've found and taken down foreign influence campaigns from Russia and Iran attempting to interfere in the US, UK, Middle East, and elsewhere -- as well as groups in Mexico and Brazil that have been active in their own country."

Zuckerberg repeated his admission that Facebook was ill-prepared for the vast influence efforts on social media in the 2016 US election but added that "today, Facebook is better prepared for these kinds of attacks."

ADVERTISEMENT

But he also warned that the task is difficult because "we face sophisticated, well-funded adversaries. They won't give up, and they will keep evolving."

The Facebook co-founder said the social network remains in a constant battle with those who create fake accounts that could be used to spread false information -- having blocked more than a billion.

"With advances in machine learning, we have now built systems that block millions of fake accounts every day," he said.

"In total, we removed more than one billion fake accounts -- the vast majority within minutes of being created and before they could do any harm -- in the six months between October and March."

Zuckerberg's post was the latest in a series of steps aimed at repairing the damage from its missteps in 2016, including the hijacking of personal data on millions of Facebook users by a political consultancy working for Donald Trump.

ADVERTISEMENT

Separately, Facebook announced it was expanding fact-checking for photos and videos to 27 partners in 17 countries around the world, up from 14 countries earlier this year.

"Similar to our work for articles, we have built a machine learning model that uses various engagement signals, including feedback from people on Facebook, to identify potentially false content," said produce manager Antonia Woodford.

"We then send those photos and videos to fact-checkers for their review, or fact-checkers can surface content on their own."

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

10 Northern governors will fly to US to learn how to protect their region

10 Northern governors will fly to US to learn how to protect their region

Task force enters streets as Alex Otti declares war against indiscipline in Abia

Task force enters streets as Alex Otti declares war against indiscipline in Abia

FG suspends mining activities within OAU after reports of illegal operations

FG suspends mining activities within OAU after reports of illegal operations

Like Bobrisky, EFCC drags Cubana Chief Priest to court for spraying naira notes

Like Bobrisky, EFCC drags Cubana Chief Priest to court for spraying naira notes

Israeli military leaders to hold third meeting on how to deal with Iran

Israeli military leaders to hold third meeting on how to deal with Iran

Nigeria's telecoms sector witnesses revival as NCC's leadership draws acclaim

Nigeria's telecoms sector witnesses revival as NCC's leadership draws acclaim

Like Ganduje in Kano, Kaduna Assembly opens investigation against El-Rufai

Like Ganduje in Kano, Kaduna Assembly opens investigation against El-Rufai

DNA on Chidinma's dress matches victim, Ataga in alleged murder trial

DNA on Chidinma's dress matches victim, Ataga in alleged murder trial

NDLEA destroys 300 tons of illicit drugs in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu praises effort

NDLEA destroys 300 tons of illicit drugs in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu praises effort

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Alex Iwobi makes Premier League history which Mikel, Yakubu, Kanu could not achieve

Alex Iwobi makes Premier League history which Mikel, Yakubu, Kanu could not achieve

Like Michael Jordan - Details of Victor Osimhen’s ‘superhuman’ jump against Monza emerges

Like Michael Jordan - Details of Victor Osimhen’s ‘superhuman’ jump against Monza emerges

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT