Facebook identifies fake accounts by Kremlin-linked firm

San Francisco

PROVIDING new evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 election, Facebook disclosed on Wednesday that it had identified more than US$100,000 worth of divisive ads on hot-button issues purchased by a shadowy Russian company linked to the Kremlin.

Most of the 3,000 ads did not refer to particular candidates but instead focused on divisive social issues such as race, gay rights, gun control and immigration, according to a post on Facebook by Alex Stamos, the company's chief security officer.