Facebook announced the removal of several networks of fake accounts originating in Saudi Arabia. These accounts broke Facebook’s rules against coordinated inauthentic behavior. The company took down hundreds of accounts, pages, and groups linked to these activities.
(Facebook Removes Fake Accounts from Saudi Arabia)
The main network focused on countries across the Middle East and North Africa. It targeted places like Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Morocco. Some content also reached users in Canada and the United States. The people behind these accounts pretended to be locals. They posted about regional news, sports, and culture. They often criticized other nations like Qatar, Turkey, and Iran. They also supported Saudi authorities.
Facebook found these accounts working together. They used fake profiles to manage pages and groups. They joined Facebook groups. They posted comments. They amplified their own content. This network spent money on Facebook ads too. The spending totaled around $108,000. The money came from Saudi Arabian riyal.
A smaller, separate network also operated from Saudi Arabia. It focused mainly on audiences inside Saudi Arabia itself. This group posted about local news and events. They also discussed sports. Facebook linked both networks to individuals in Saudi Arabia.
(Facebook Removes Fake Accounts from Saudi Arabia)
The company said its investigation benefited from information shared by Twitter. Facebook continues to look for this kind of activity. The company removes fake accounts when it finds them. This action is part of Facebook’s ongoing security efforts. The company stated it wants to prevent misuse of its platforms. Facebook shared these findings publicly. The goal is to increase awareness of such threats.