Meta Platforms Inc on Wednesday suspended a network of over 400 accounts, pages and groups ahead of general elections in the Philippines as the Facebook parent moves to crack down on hate speech and misinformation.
The accounts included Facebook Pages and groups linked to the New People's Army, the guerilla arm of the communist movement, the social media company said.
Concerns about online hate speech have increased as candidates and supporters increasingly turn to social media for the May 9 election against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic disrupting traditional campaign methods.
ALSO READ:
How Google, YouTube are Fighting Fake News on Martial Law, Elections
TikTok is Propagandists' New Tool to Win Elections in Southeast Asia
Last month, the country's presidential candidates had pressed on the need to hold social media companies liable for the spread of misinformation.
Meta said in a blog post on Wednesday that advertisers in the Philippines will have to complete their ad authorizations process and include 'Paid for by' disclaimers on ads about elections, politics, and certain categories of social issues.
The move by Meta comes after it last month changed its stance in Ukraine that temporarily allowed calls for violence and narrowed its content moderation policy to prohibit calls for the death of a head of state.
LIFE KIT FOR THE ELECTIONS:
Time to Unfriend? Toxic Politics on Social Media is Just Getting Started
How to Convert a Hardcore Supporter to Vote for Your Candidate
Can a Kakampink and a BBM Supporter be in a Relationship?
In Vote-Rich Provinces and Cities, Does the Ruling Clan's Endorsement Matter?
Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.
