Facebook removes Fabrications About the PAP page ahead of GE

Facebook has removed the Fabrications About the PAP (FAP) Facebook page due to a violation of its policies. In a statement to Marketing, a Facebook spokesperson said the removal of the FAP Facebook page, along with "several other accounts" in Singapore, is based on the behaviour of the account and not the content posted. The spokesperson added that it discovered these accounts during its "ongoing proactive work" to find and take action on accounts that violate its policies.

Under Facebook's current policies, it does not allow users to misrepresent themselves, use fake accounts, or engage in behaviours designed to enable other violations of its community standards. These accounts will be removed by the platform. In the event that an account behaviour indicates a possible misrepresentation of users, Facebook will require account owners to provide additional information to validate its authenticity. Until the owners comply, the account cannot be used to reach other users on the platform. If the account owner fails the verification, or if Facebook determines that there is a violation of its policies, the account will be removed. 

Earlier this month, The Straits Times (ST) reported that Facebook said it is carrying out checks ahead of the Singapore General Elections this year. ST cited Facebook's head of public policy in Singapore, Clara Koh, who said the company has been doing sweeps to ensure that it removes accounts that are impersonating candidates and elected officials. The elections in Singapore this year will be happening on 10 July. 

This is not the first time Facebook has been involved with government issues in Singapore. Last month, it legally compelled with the Ministry of Communications and Information's (MCI) request to restrict access to the pages of Singapore States Times and Alex Tan in Singapore. This comes shortly after MCI declared the two pages declared online locations under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act on 6 May.

In a statement to Marketing then, Facebook's spokesperson said after careful review of the order, it has determined that it is "legally compelled to restrict access" of the pages.

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