This week, lawyers from top social media and technology firms are testifying on Capitol Hill about Russia’s hijacking of some American social media accounts to help sway public opinion on the 2016 presidential election.
That testimony is ongoing, but in case you have been wondering, here’s a verified sample of some of the ads you might have come across, that were put out by the Russian government.
‘Buff Bernie’ Coloring Book
Posted on: LBGT United group on Facebook
Created: March 2016
Targeted: People ages 18 to 65+ in the United States who like “LGBT United”
Results: 848 impressions, 54 clicks
Ad spend: 111.49 rubles ($1.92)
Teaching Kids About Guns
Posted on: Instagram
Created: April 2016
Targeted: People ages 13 to 65+ who are interested in the tea party or Donald Trump
Results: 108,433 impressions, 857 clicks
Ad spend: 17,306 rubles ($297)
Satan: ‘If I Win Clinton Wins!’ Jesus: ‘Not If I Can Help It!’
Posted on: Facebook
Created: October 2016
Targeted: People age 18 to 65+ interested in Christianity, Jesus, God, Ron Paul and media personalities such as Laura Ingraham, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly and Mike Savage, among other topics
Results: 71 impressions, 14 clicks
Ad spend: 64 rubles ($1.10)
Texas: Get Ready to Secede!
Posted on: Facebook
Created: October 2016
Targeted: People ages 18 to 65+ who like the Facebook group “Heart of Texas”
Results: 16,168 impressions, 2,342 clicks
Ad spend: 3,200 rubles ($55)
‘Killary Clinton” Will Never Understand…
Posted on: Instagram
Created: August 2016
Targeted: People ages 18 to 65+ interested in military veterans, including those from the Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam wars
Results: 17,654 impressions, 517 clicks
Ad spend: (3,083 rubles) $53
(Via Politico)