Meta finally removes fake 'Cork County Council' page after months of complaints

Questions have been raised about the length of time the fake page remained online, despite repeated requests from the local authority for its removal

Cork County Council first contacted Meta in May after becoming concerned that the page was presenting itself as an official council platform. File picture: Dan Linehan

A fake Facebook page posing as an official Cork County Council account and used to promote racist and far-right content has finally been removed after months of complaints to Meta.

A spokesperson for Meta, which owns Facebook, confirmed to the Irish Examiner the page had been taken down for "violating our policies".

However, questions have been raised about the length of time it remained online, despite repeated requests from the local authority for its removal.

The Irish Examiner understands Cork County Council first contacted Meta in May after becoming concerned the page was presenting itself as an official council platform.

Despite raising the issue on about a dozen occasions, the page remained active until earlier this week.

Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Donovan, who had raised concerns about the account, welcomed its removal but criticised the delay.

“It was unacceptable how Meta allowed this page continue to be so active after the council reported it multiple times. It shows that Meta isn't taking this behaviour seriously and it is deeply worrying to see such a slow response from Meta," he said. 

"There needs to be a much tougher stance taken to ensure that extreme right-wing material and racism have no space to grow on social media,” Mr Donovan added.

The fake page used a council logo that made it appear authentic, although it featured an outdated version that is no longer used by the local authority.

While initially operating largely as a community forum, critics said it had increasingly become a platform for racist and far-right commentary in recent months.

A council spokesman said the local authority was aware a Facebook group operating under the name 'Cork County Council' was no longer available on the platform.

“The group was not operated, managed, affiliated with, or endorsed by Cork County Council," said the spokesman. 

"Members of the public are advised to obtain official council information only through the Cork County Council website and the council's verified social media channels."

The spokesman confirmed the council engaged with Meta regarding the matter “and will continue to monitor for any unauthorised use of the council's name or branding on social media platforms".