Hours before testifying before Congress, Google SVP and General Counsel Kent Walker published a blog post titled, 'Security and disinformation in the 2016 election.'
Says Walker, "And, like other internet platforms, we have found some evidence of efforts to misuse our platforms during the 2016 U.S. election by actors linked to the Internet Research Agency in Russia."
In addition to very limited paid Google ads, he announced findings of internal research that 1,108 YouTube videos totaling 43 hours of content that were probably linked to those attempting to influences Americans on behalf of Russia.
He also announced increased efforts by Google to fight Phishing and Hacking by nation-states, which include very specific Google pop-ups:
Walker also says Google has more work to do, going forward into the next round of elections.
There is more to come on social media related influence exerted by Russian backed groups in the 2016 presidential election as the companies testify before Congress.
We'll let you know what they say.