Facebook, Twitter, Google to give info on ‘anti-fossil fuel’ ads to Congress: report

Social media giants Facebook and Twitter along with Google have told Congress they would provide information on Russian purchases of “anti-fossil fuels” advertisements over fears that Russia may have also interfered in American energy markets. 

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) sent a letter to executives of Facebook Inc., Twitter Inc., and Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc. in September asking for information “regarding Russian entities purchasing anti-fracking or anti-fossil fuel advertisements or promotions,” according to Bloomberg

Smith, the chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, said Thursday that the companies are in the process of sending the materials. 

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The congressman’s letter also asked the companies for any information they had on online foreign attempts to influence the U.S. energy market, which investigators fear could be related to Russia’s meddling in the 2016 presidential election. 

The web companies testified earlier this month before the Senate Intelligence Committee after it was found that Kremlin-backed operatives had purchased politically polarizing ads meant to incite violence and uproar during the time of the election.