How Facebook Gets Directly Involved In Political Campaigns

Remember how Facebook was forced to explain its role in the US election, admitting that Russia-based groups likely paid for political ads running on the platform? Although disturbing, it still seemed that Facebook was more guilty of negligence rather than direct involvement. But this might have been true in this specific case only. 

"Facebook, it turns out, is no bystander in global politics. (...) [It] actively works with political parties and leaders including those who use the platform to stifle opposition—sometimes with the aid of 'troll armies' that spread misinformation and extremist ideologies," writes Bloomberg.

In a captivating and compelling read, Bloomberg discloses the work of Facebook's global government and politics team, which over years has aided multiple political campaigns around the world.

"In the U.S., the unit embedded employees in Trump’s campaign. (Hillary Clinton’s camp declined a similar offer.) In India, the company helped develop the online presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who now has more Facebook followers than any other world leader. In the Philippines, it trained the campaign of Rodrigo Duterte, known for encouraging extrajudicial killings, in how to most effectively use the platform. And in Germany it helped the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party (AfD) win its first Bundestag seats, according to campaign staff," writes Bloomberg.

Facebook says it doesn't give any strategic advice and only offers mentorship on the use of the company’s powerful digital tools, but Bloomberg's article sure does paint a more dubious picture of Facebook's relationship with governments and those running for office.