Social Media

Ahead Of Midterms, Facebook Announces Takedown Of More Fake Accounts

The social media company said Friday it's removed 82 Facebook and Instagram pages, groups and accounts for "coordinated inauthentic behavior."

Ahead Of Midterms, Facebook Announces Takedown Of More Fake Accounts
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Just ahead of the November midterm elections, Facebook says it's removed more fake accounts originating in Iran. 

The social media company announced Friday that it's taken down 82 Facebook and Instagram pages, groups and accounts for "coordinated inauthentic behavior" targeting people in the U.S. and U.K.

The accounts, which were followed by more than 1 million people altogether, posed as American and British citizens. They posted about politically charged issues, like immigration and race relations. 

It's not clear whether the accounts in question could have ties to the Iranian government, but this is the second time Facebook's taken down Iran-linked content in recent months. 

The company's been taking steps to combat election meddling on its platform, most recently setting up a "war room" at its headquarters to help curb interference. 

Last Friday, U.S. national security agencies issued a joint statement expressing concern about election disinformation campaigns from Russia, China, and Iran, which the countries have denied.  

Facebook said it's shared these findings with U.S. and U.K. law enforcement, Congress and other big tech companies. 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.