Social Media Gears Up to Prevent Election Meddling

In response to a warning from the Shin Bet about foreign cyber interference in the upcoming Israeli elections, Facebook announced on Monday that it will have tools in place in March to safeguard the electoral process, The Times of Israel and AFP reported.

The social media company said it will deploy tools and restrictions aimed at thwarting hackers and to make political ads more transparent, ahead of the April 9 elections.

All ads dealing with national or political issues on its platform will be required to bear clear information as to who paid for them, and that the identity and location of the person or people behind them are verified.

“Over the last two years, we have increased our capabilities to take down fake accounts, increase ads transparency, disrupt bad actors and support an informed and engaged electorate,” the company said.

The transparency tools will also be unveiled in India and Ukraine, with a global expansion before the end of June.