ADVERTISEMENT

Facebook thought about disclosing election manipulation by Russia in April, but waited until September (FB)

The company says it was still investigating the matter at the time and decided to wait.

Facebook omitted references to Russia in a public report published in April about manipulation on the site during the 2016 election, according to a new Wall Street Journal report.

ADVERTISEMENT

The company eventually disclosed in September that it had found about 3,000 ads from Russia-linked fake accounts. Those ads were viewed by about 10 million people, the company said. There may still be more Russia-linked abuse on Facebook that hasn't been discovered yet.

A Facebook spokesperson told the WSJ that the company didn't disclose the Russia-linked activity in April because the company was still looking into the matter. The 3,000 ads weren't discovered until after the April report.

Facebook said last month that it would soon require more transparency from political ads. The company also said it would hire 1,000 more people to monitor ads for abuse.

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

A look into the diverse tax reforms being implemented across Africa

A look into the diverse tax reforms being implemented across Africa

Dubai firm to lend South Sudan $12.9 billion in exchange for 20 years oil repayment

Dubai firm to lend South Sudan $12.9 billion in exchange for 20 years oil repayment

China dethrones USA as the most influential global power in Africa: Report

China dethrones USA as the most influential global power in Africa: Report

Major African economies expecting inflation ease into next year, except Nigeria

Major African economies expecting inflation ease into next year, except Nigeria

10 African countries with the lowest price changes in household commodities

10 African countries with the lowest price changes in household commodities

Dangote refinery outranks Europe's 10 largest refining facilities

Dangote refinery outranks Europe's 10 largest refining facilities

Africa may just have the lowest level of cyber threats compared to other regions

Africa may just have the lowest level of cyber threats compared to other regions

A look into Kenya’s Shs1.1 billion climate funding from the UK

A look into Kenya’s Shs1.1 billion climate funding from the UK

FCMB: A corporate journey of resilience, evolution, and growth

FCMB: A corporate journey of resilience, evolution, and growth

ADVERTISEMENT