UK lawmakers seek Facebook data on Russia-linked Brexit ads

LONDON – British lawmakers are asking Facebook for information about Russian-linked online activity around the UK's European Union membership referendum and recent election.

The House of Commons' Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee says it is seeking details of ads and pages set up by Russian-linked accounts during the 2016 referendum and 2017 election campaign, and information about their cost, targeting and reach.

In a letter to Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg, committee chairman Damian Collins says the information is being sought for an inquiry into the "fake news" phenomenon.