Dutch MPs have almost unanimously backed a motion calling on the government to pressure Facebook to come clean about political advertising ahead of the provincial elections in March.

Only the right-wing VVD and anti-Islam PVV opposed the motion which urged ministers to call for more transparency in political advertising. This transparency is necessary, MPs say, because ‘social media, including Facebook, offer a platform to political fake adverts’ at both election time and on other occasions.

Facebook said at the end of January that it would bring new political advertising rules and tools introduced in the US and UK last year into countries which are holding significant elections this year.

These measures will not, however, come into effect in the Netherlands before the end of March, after the provincial elections.

MPs say Facebook should come clean about the origins of political advertising three weeks ahead of the provincial vote on March 20.

Facebook has said its new rules will be in effect in Europe ahead of the EU parliamentary elections which take place between May 23 and May 26.