Meta faces criticism over fake accounts on Facebook

Meta is facing criticism from Scam Watch Pilipinas for its alleged failure to control the proliferation of fake accounts on Facebook, which are used to facilitate online scams and spread disinformation among Filipino users.

Scam Watch Pilipinas co-founder Jocel de Guzman stated that these fake accounts are instrumental in disseminating sponsored scam advertisements and impersonating legitimate entities like public figures, news outlets, and brands.

De Guzman described Meta's platforms, especially Facebook, as a "breeding ground" for digital exploitation due to inadequate enforcement and deficient content moderation procedures.

He further emphasized that scammers are leveraging Facebook's advertising system to promote deceptive posts that appear legitimate, often imitating recognized news organizations, brands, celebrities, or government agencies to advertise fraudulent investment schemes, fake giveaways, or phishing websites.

Scam Watch Pilipinas also raised concerns about Meta's ad verification process, characterizing it as largely automated and easily circumvented, allowing harmful ads to remain active for extended periods.