Meta takes down 10 million fake and spam Facebook accounts

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Facebook, being a platform used by billions, is full of various accounts. However, not all of these accounts are authentic. Many are bots that frequently take over comment sections, posting the same messages repeatedly. Some accounts have also amassed a large following by sharing content created by others.

Meta has recognized the need to clean up the platform and recently announced the deletion of a staggering 10 million accounts in the first half of 2025 alone. This cleanup effort is ongoing.

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META ADDS TEEN SAFETY FEATURES TO INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK

Facebook app on the home screen of a smartphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Insights on Facebook’s Recent Account Removals

Meta reported the deletion of approximately 10 million accounts in the first half of 2025, mainly due to impersonation, spam behavior, and fake engagement. This move is part of a broader strategy to promote original content, clean up the platform, and prioritize authentic content. The accounts were removed for impersonating prominent content creators, as per the company’s blog post aimed at creators.

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This crackdown is part of an initiative to enhance the relevance of the Feed and support genuine creators. Meta is starting by clamping down on spammy content.

Facebook login on a smartphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Meta’s Emphasis on Originality

Meta clarified that it is not targeting creators who participate in trends or remix existing content. The focus is on whether they contribute something original. The company encourages reaction videos, commentary, and other transformative uses of content.

However, accounts that repetitively repost others’ work without permission or meaningful alterations will face consequences. These may include reduced visibility of their content and temporary disabling of monetization features. Meta will prioritize the original version and limit the reach of duplicates if its systems detect identical videos.

The company is also testing ways to credit original creators more prominently, such as adding links to the source video. To maintain visibility and reach, Meta advises creators to concentrate on original content, avoid third-party watermarks, and make significant edits when using material from other sources. Basic stitching or watermarking is not considered a meaningful transformation.

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Significance of Meta’s Crackdown for Creators

Meta’s actions go beyond removing spam; they directly impact how content is ranked, displayed, and monetized. For creators, especially smaller ones looking to expand their audience, originality now plays a more crucial role. If your content is flagged as unoriginal or spammy, Facebook may reduce its visibility or restrict access to monetization tools.

On the other hand, creators focusing on producing unique content or thoughtfully transforming existing media stand a better chance of standing out. Meta is adjusting its algorithms to boost genuine voices, potentially helping original creators gain more traction if they adhere to the new guidelines.

Facebook app on a smartphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tips to Avoid Penalties under Meta’s New Content Rules

To prevent Meta from flagging or removing your Facebook account under its new policies, especially if you’re a creator or post content regularly, follow these key steps:

1. Post original content. Share content you created yourself, whether it’s photos, videos, text, or any other material. Meta is more likely to penalize accounts that heavily rely on reposted or recycled content.

2. Transform content if you reuse it. When sharing someone else’s content (with permission or under fair use), add genuine value. Consider reaction videos, voiceovers, commentary, or edits that alter the context or experience. Simply stitching clips together or adding a watermark won’t suffice.

3. Avoid impersonation and spam tactics. Refrain from pretending to be another creator or brand and avoid engagement bait such as spamming comment sections or using repetitive hashtags. Meta is actively removing accounts engaged in fake interactions.

4. Avoid visible third-party watermarks. If your video shows clear signs of being recycled from another app (e.g., a TikTok watermark), Meta may flag it. Upload clean versions without logos or branding from other platforms.

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Kurt’s Key Takeaway

Meta’s efforts to combat spam and fake accounts are a positive step, particularly for creators struggling to gain visibility. Facebook has been cluttered with repetitive videos and memes from various sources, along with bots flooding comment sections.

Have you observed an increase in recycled content on your Facebook Feed recently? Share your observations with us by contacting us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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