Facebook shuts down Brazil’s environmental disinformation network, which has ties to the military

Man stands in front of a sign that Meta, the new company name, is displaying at its headquarters in Menlo Park in California, U.S. Oct 28, 2021. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Meta Platforms (FB.O), the owner of Facebook, announced on Thursday that it had removed a network social media accounts linked to the Brazilian military. These accounts were pretend nonprofits meant to downplay the dangers of deforestation.

Jair Bolsonaro is now at risk of losing his reputation after Meta’s quarterly report. The former army captain of far-right, and a long-time environmentalist, has sent the armed forces to Amazon on unsuccessful missions to reduce the destruction of the world’s most extensive rainforest. Read more

According to a source with knowledge, although the network involved active military personnel, Meta’s investigation failed to uncover enough evidence to determine if they were acting independently or following orders.

The Meta takedown operation, Meta’s first to target a network primarily focused on environmental issues, may also fuel Bolsonaro’s attacks on large tech companies, which he accuses are suppressing conservative voices on their platforms.

Critics allege that Bolsonaro’s supporters use the platforms for spreading dangerous disinformation, undermining Brazil’s democratic institutions.

Meta stated in its report that the unidentified network used fake accounts on Instagram and Facebook to post first about land reform and the pandemic of 2020, before shifting its focus to environmental issues last.

“In 2021, they created Pages pretending to be NGOs and activists focusing on environmental issues in Brazil’s Amazonas region. They wrote about deforestation and argued that not all of it was harmful. Meta also criticized legitimate environmental NGOs that spoke out against deforestation.

“Though the network was created by people who tried to hide their identities, we found connections to individuals connected to the Brazilian Military.”

Meta declined to provide further information regarding its investigation.

Bolsonaro’s office and Defense Ministry did not immediately respond when asked.

Brad Haynes Reports
Gabriel Stargardter writes and provides additional reporting; John Stonestreet edits

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