Social-media images shown as evidence of 'Russian trolls'

GETTY IMAGES Senator Patrick Leahy said technology companies could have done “a lot more earlier” about the fake accounts

US senators have put on show several examples of what they believe to be Russia’s attempt to influence US citizens via social media.

Facebook, Twitter and Google had previously shared with congressional investigators some examples of what they suspected to be adverts and messages posted by Russia-based “troll” operatives, but the material had not previously been made public – although some instances had already been identified by the press.

Below are the cases displayed during the Senate Subcommittee on the Judiciary’s hearing on Tuesday.

Further examples are likely to be highlighted during a follow-up event, involving the same three companies, being held by the Senate Subcommittee on Intelligence later on Wednesday.