Russian-backed 'troll' Twitter accounts targeted Maine politicians

Source: Portland Press Herald

Russian-controlled troll accounts swarming Twitter with divisive political messages have targeted several Maine politicians, particularly U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.

A recently released database of more than 3 million tweets from accounts orchestrated by Russia included messages aimed at Collins (261 tweets), Gov. Paul LePage (44 tweets) and U.S. Senator Angus King (23,) according to an analysis by the Portland Press Herald.

“This effort by the Russians goes beyond one campaign or one candidate or even one country,” Collins said Thursday. “It’s an attempt to undermine public confidence in elected officials and, more importantly, in our democratic institutions. It’s an attempt to undermine Western democracies.”

The news came as White House officials announced a “vast, government-wide” effort to fend off Russian interference in U.S. elections, including efforts to influence voters, such as disinformation campaigns on social media.

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Read more: https://www.pressherald.com/2018/08/02/russian-backed-troll-twitter-bots-targeted-maine-politicians/