Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption Senator Patrick Leahy said technology companies could have done “a lot more earlier” about the fake accounts
US senators have put on show several examples of what they believe to be Russia’s attempt to influence US citizens via social media.
Facebook, Twitter and Google had previously shared with congressional investigators some examples of what they suspected to be adverts and messages posted by Russia-based “troll” operatives, but the material had not previously been made public – although some instances had already been identified by the press.
Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption This tweet falsely suggested citizens could vote via text message during November’s presidential election Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption This doctored image featuring the comedian Aziz Ansari was also posted to Twitter Image copyrightUS SenateImage caption Senator Chris Coons said this advert had been run by Russia to target Facebook users identified as being supportive of army veterans Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption President Trump was said to have retweeted a message from a fake account run by Russian agents Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption An account titled Being Patriotic was used to publicise a “miners for Trump” event held in Pennsylvania in October 2016 Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption Facebook accounts linked to Russia included Infidels Against Islam; Fed-up with Illegals; Guardians of Freedom; and Stop Killing White People Image copyrightUS SenateImage caption Wednesday’s hearing also highlighted the Heart of Texas Facebook account, which had more than 250,000 followers… Image copyrightUS SenateImage caption …it was used to place an advert to publicise an anti-Muslim event Image copyrightUS SenateImage caption Russian agents were also said to have operated a Facebook group that promoted pro-Islamic themes… Image copyrightUS SenateImage caption …it created an event for its followers at the same time and place as the anti-Muslim rally Image copyrightUS SenateImage caption Senator Richard Burr said it had cost Russian trolls about $200 to cause the resulting disruption in Houston, Texas Image copyrightUS SenateImage caption Senator Mark Warner said a Facebook page designed to appeal to Christians initially “lured in” users with bible quotes and other “benign” posts… Image copyrightUS SenateImage caption …but it later posted anti-Clinton memes after attracting tens of thousands of followers
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