Facebook removes accounts linked to QAnon conspiracy theory

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Facebook says it has removed several groups, accounts and ps linked to QAn, taking action for first time against far-right U.S. conspiracy ory circulated among supporters of President Donald Trump.

social-media giant me anuncement Tuesday as part of its monthly briefing on “coordinated inauntic behavior” on its platforms. That’s Facebook’s term for fake accounts run with intent of disrupting politics elections and society.

In dition to QAn accounts, Facebook also removed accounts linked to VDARE, a U.S. website kwn for posting anti-immigration content, as well as accounts in Russia, Iran, Mauritania, Myanmar and country of Georgia.

QAn is a right-wing conspiracy ory centered on baseless belief that Trump is waging a secret campaign against enemies in “deep state” and a child sex trafficking ring run by satanic pedophiles and cannibals. For more than two years, followers have pored over a tangled set of clues purportedly posted online by a high-ranking government official kwn only as “Q.”

conspiracy ory first emerged in a dark corner of internet but has been creeping into mainstream political arena. Trump has retweeted QAn-promoting accounts and its followers flock to president’s rallies wearing clos and hats with QAn symbols and slogans.

Facebook says it found QAn activity as part of its investigations into suspected coordinated inauntic behavior ahe of 2020 presidential election.

“We are making progress rooting out this abuse, but as we’ve said before, it’s an ongoing effort,” company said in its April report on coordinated activity. “That means building better techlogy, hiring more people and working more closely with law enforcement, security experts and or companies.”