#OneNETnewsInvestigates: Facebook and YouTube users face allegations of illegally boosting Followers, Invalid Traffic and targeting lower audiences from an Unreliable Digital Parties of Engagements [EXCLUSIVE]
(Written by Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong / Freelanced News Writer, Reporter and Presenter of OneNETnews)
MIDSAYAP, COTABATO -- In a brazen, shocking revelation… Facebook and YouTube (who were both owned by Meta Platforms and Google's Alphabet) have come under scrutiny without warning for their alleged involvement in boosting followers and subscribers, promoting invalid traffic and targeting lower audiences on their platforms nationwide and worldwide. These issues raise concerns about unfair advantages for content creators and influencers, as well as potential violations of policies guiding social media and video-sharing platforms.
Per the exclusive investigation to OneNETnews in the Q4 2022, we found several Facebook profiles that were illegally offering to boost followers and subscribers, in exchange for a fee thru digital payment transaction like GCash, an E-Wallet service in the Philippines.
(via Facebook PHOTO / redacted name with a respect of Data Privacy Law and Security Purposes)
One of the profile(s), which is owned by a Pinay self-employed individual from Midsayap, North Cotabato -- offering to boost Facebook followers for PHP800 (U$D15) per 1,000 followers, and the other 1,000 YouTube subscribers cost PHP3,000 (U$D55). The online netizens awaring the prevalence of invalid traffic and subscription bots purchased from the unreliable 3rd parties, regardless of fake or real engagements. Both platforms have manually faced accusations of targeting lower audiences in key demographic areas.
Due to a nature between the privacy and security reasons over through our research and investigative news team, we refrain to disclose a full name of the individuals involved. However, this information has been later forwarded to the Midsayap Municipal Police Station (MMPS) for further investigation and to be potentially determined for an upcoming cybercriminal violation thru Cotabato Provincial Police Office (CPPO) in Anti-Cybercrime Division in the coming weeks' time.
For those wondering about between the Invalid Traffic and targeting lower audiences for what you pay for on the aforesaid 3rd parties, it refers to any web traffic that is generated through artificial means, contrary to the guidelines of the platform. This includes using sub bots or engaging in activities to manipulate engagement metrics artificially. While targeting lower audiences, also refers to tactics employed by individuals or entities seeking to artificially increase follower counts by engaging with users who are not part of the target demographic. This may involve purchasing an engagement from 3rd-party vendors who don't guarantee authentic or relevant interactions.
To mitigate the spread of invalid traffic and protect the integrity of their platforms, Facebook and YouTube have implemented several preventive measures. Facebook offers resources and guidelines to help users identify fake engagement and takes decisive action against accounts involved in such practices. YouTube highlights the importance of creators monitoring their analytics, detecting invalid traffic patterns and working with trusted 3rd-party verification partners.
In conclusion, the issue of boosting followers and subscribers on social media platforms, coupled with invalid traffic and targeting lower audiences, raises concerns regarding fairness and authenticity in the digital realm. While Facebook and YouTube are taking steps to address these issues, consistent vigilance is necessary to ensure the support of small and medium content creators, who rely on genuine engagement.
As the small or medium content creators and influencers play an essential role in the digital landscape, it is crucial for social media platforms to remain dedicated to combating invalid traffic and providing a level playing field. By upholding authenticity and encouraging genuine engagement, these platforms can foster a thriving community that supports and values small and medium content creators.
For now, you can only by promoting genuine and organic growth can Facebook, YouTube, other social media and video-sharing platforms establish an environment that supports the aspirations of the said content creators, fostering a thriving community of its authentic engagement with regular use and moderation.
STOCK PHOTO COURTESY: Google Images BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna
FULL DISCLOSURE: Meta Platforms Inc. and Google's Alphabet is a parent online broadcasting & media firm on this Internet TV station and news organization of OneNETtv Channel and OneNETnews.
SOURCE: *https://www.facebook.com/100081075287057/posts/156336920412150 [Referenced FB Captioned Photo #1 via QueenChelle] *https://www.facebook.com/100081075287057/posts/156336927078816 [Referenced FB Captioned Photo #2 via QueenChelle] *https://www.facebook.com/100020295344857/posts/676801090973308 [Referenced FB Video via QueenChelle] *https://www.facebook.com/100020295344857/posts/1209521183067715 [Referenced FB Captioned Photo #3f via QueenChelle] *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXnc4KGru7c [Referenced YT Video via RodTV] *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbIF44nYv08 [Referenced YT Video via Timeworks] *https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-invalid-traffic-youtube-what-creators-need-raj-kapoor [Referenced News Blog Article via LinkedIn] *https://www.facebook.com/business/help/211248262238771/ [Referenced Help Center Article #1 via FB Business] and *https://www.facebook.com/business/help/774724292709131/ [Referenced Help Center Article #2f via FB Business]
-- OneNETnews Team
