Russian interference ‘tip of iceberg’

Shocking discoveries about the extent of Russian interference in overseas elections are just the “tip of the iceberg”, a committee warned.

MPS also uncovered “disturbing” evidence about the activities of companies involved in a number of foreign political campaigns since 2010, including the use of hacking, disinformation and voter suppression through alleged violence and intimidation.

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee called for the Government to review the way UK laws on digital campaigning are defined.

It recommended banning certain types of micro-targeted political advertising and said a public register for political advertising should also be created.

The committee backed calls by the Electoral Commission for all electronic campaigning to have easily accessible digital imprint requirements, including information on the publishing organisation and who is legally responsible for the spending.

MPS said they heard evidence of coordinated campaigns by Russian agencies to influence how people voted in elections around the world.

“This includes running adverts through Facebook during elections in other countries and in breach of their laws,” committee chairman Damian Collins said.

“Facebook failed to spot this at the time, and it was only discovered after repeated requests were made for them to look for evidence of this activity.

“Users were unaware that they were being targeted by political adverts from Russia, because they were made to look like they came from their own country, and there was no information available at all about the true identity of the advertiser.

“I believe what we have discovered so far is the tip of the iceberg.”