Facebook will introduce a system that will eliminate the fake “Likes” given to a Facebook page by spammers or malware, writes Reuters. Employees of the largest social network said that on average, each Facebook page will have 1% fewer Likes following the introduction of this system. “We always have tried to protect Facebook against spammers, malware or users who buy Likes. This new system is designed specifically to eliminate the suspicious Likes,” according to the official Facebook blog.
Reuters writes that, on Facebook, there is a “black market of Likes” where any company that wants to gain notoriety and credibility can buy thousands of Likes, usually coming from compromised or false Facebook accounts. This practice is, actually, prohibited by Facebook.
The company said that the new method will help both the public and businesses, because the number of fans and demographics will be closer to the real numbers. Social media analysts say that the integrity of Likes is one of the main concerns of Facebook, as Like is the “currency” of the largest social network.
Reuters writes that Google Plus and Twitter are facing situations where certain pages known an artificial increase, but in the case of Facebook, the pressure is much higher because the company founded by Mark Zuckerberg is listed on the stock exchange.
In fact, Facebook shares reached a new record low Friday, a minimum of $18.08. The shares fell by more than 4% after brokers cut the price target for Facebook stock, citing the massive number of shares waiting to enter the stock market and the signs of worsening outlook for advertising in the social network.
“What we want Facebook to do is to take the lead before things get out of control. You can imagine that no company wants to pay for advertising on false accounts”, says Brian Blau, an analyst at research firm Gartner.
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