Report finds Russian agents used social media to disrupt U.S. energy policy, markets

according to Report finds Russian agents used social media to disrupt U.S. energy policy, marketsRussia has used social media to spread propaganda designed to disrupt U.S. energy markets and influence U.S. energy policy, according to a report released by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on Thursday. © ShutterstockRussians posted on social media about U.S. energy policy or happenings within the energy sector 9.097 times from 2015 to 2017. That's why Russian agents attempted to manipulate Americans' opinions about pipelines, fossil fuels, fracking and climate change. The American people deserve to know if what they see on social media is the creation of a foreign power seeking to undermine our domestic energy policy."IRA social media activity targeted pipelines, fossil fuels, climate change and other contentious issues surrounding U.S. energy policy. In September, Smith requested information from Twitter and Facebook about Russian agents purchasing energy-related advertisements on the platform.

Russians used social media to stir divisions on U.S. energy policy: lawmakers

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Russian operatives attempting to discourage U.S. energy production posted thousands of messages on social media supporting environmental activists in their campaign to limit oil and gas projects, a report by Republican lawmakers said on Thursday. Democrats on the panel and environmentalists criticized Republicans for focusing on energy policy instead of election meddling. The Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the panel's report. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque"The American people deserve to know if what they see on social media is the creation of a foreign power seeking to undermine our domestic energy policy," Smith said. A specialist on energy and foreign policy said the postings likely had little influence on U.S. energy markets.

Russian social media accounts tried to disrupt US energy markets: House committee - Electric Power

according to Russian social media accounts tried to disrupt US energy markets: House committeeRussian social media accounts attempted to disrupt US energy markets last year by stirring opposition to shale drilling and infrastructure projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline, a House of Representatives committee said in a report Thursday. The House Committee on Science, Space and Technology said data from Twitter, Facebook and Instagram "confirmed that Russian agents were exploiting American social media platforms in an effort to disrupt domestic energy markets, suppress research and development of fossil-fuels, and stymie efforts to expand the use of natural gas." Article continues below...Video -- Changing lanes: What EVs mean for the energy system What do electric vehicles and future transport mean for the global energy system? "America's emergency as a global energy exporter presents a significant threat to Russian energy interests," the report said. "Such competition reduces the revenue and influence generated by Russian energy exports.

House panel: Russia aimed to disrupt US energy markets using social media

Russia used several American social media accounts in an attempt to disrupt U.S. energy markets, according to a House committee report released Thursday. The committee surmised that the disinformation campaign on social media is connected to Russian fears that a strong U.S. energy economy could negatively impact Russia's oil and natural gas economy. Eastern and central European countries currently get about 75 percent of their natural gas from Russia, with southeastern European countries receiving nearly all of their natural gas from Moscow. For example, Poland recently signed a five-year deal with the U.S. to import liquefied natural gas to decrease dependency on Russian energy supplies, according to the report. U.S. energy exports to European countries are increasing, which means they will have less reason to rely upon Russia for their energy needs.

collected by :Victor Alphen