Facebook has deleted thousands of posts shared by Russia-linked users after US election
Social media giant Facebook admits deletion was a glitch as US experts express frustration research cannot be completed fully
FACEBOOK has deleted thousands of posts shared by Russia-linked users amid fears interference in the US election was wider than first thought.
It acted after a researcher used a data tool on the site to work out how many users read Russian-bought adverts spreading “fake news”.
It estimated around ten million people had read them.
But social media expert Jonathan Albright said the true total was 20 million when all free posts by users with Russian connections were counted.
Facebook then deleted many of the posts and data.
Dr Albright, of Columbia University, says this means no further research can take place.
He added: “This is public interest data.
"It allowed us to reconstruct pieces of the puzzle.”
US intelligence claims Russia used the internet to aid Donald Trump’s bid to become President, claims denied by him and Russia.
Facebook admitted removing the posts, but said it happened when a glitch was fixed.
It said it was co-operating with a federal probe.
