Facebook sold targeted ads to a Russian 'troll farm,' and that's a big problem

So Facebook reportedly sold thousands of ads to a shady Russian company trying to influence voters around the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This much we know. What is less clear, perhaps, is just how big of a deal this is. 

Unfortunately, the answer is complicated. But nothing about this looks good. 

The company in question, which The Washington Post reports is tied to a Russian propaganda "troll farm," ran ads that Facebook Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos wrote "appeared to focus on amplifying divisive social and political messages across the ideological spectrum — touching on topics from LGBT matters to race issues to immigration to gun rights." Read more...