The effort demonstrates how propagandists have adopted the SEO and social media tactics that real outlets have used to increase audience engagement.

The 2018 vote passed without incident. The "big show" is the 2020 contest, Christopher Wray says.

The specific identification of Nic Gabunada, former chief executive of Omnicom Media Group Philippines, marks a departure for Facebook in its efforts against "coordinated inauthentic behavior."

Facebook in recent months has announced similar takedowns of accounts targeting users in Moldova and for spreading disinformation in the Middle East.

Russia' meddling will likely focus on France, Germany and Italy in an effort to secure as many parliamentary seats for pro-Kremlin candidates as possible, Estonia's foreign intelligence agency said.

Typical messages examined during the timeframe in question included posts criticizing credible media outlets, accusations that immigrants were killing house pets, and graphic images of violent protests.