Election officials move closer to placing new rules on Facebook and Google

The Federal Election Commission moved a step closer to placing tighter regulations on Internet ads published on major Web platforms, marking a significant shift for an agency beset by partisan dysfunction and another sign that regulators are seeking to thwart foreign meddling in U.S. elections. All five members of the commission voted to start a rulemaking process to require disclaimers for small, character-limited political ads that run online on places such as Facebook, Google and Twitter. The commissioners described working together to prevent foreign operatives from influencing American voters as a crucial priority. “Foreign interference in U.S. elections is inimical to our nation’s interests and democratic values,” said the Republican commissioners in a motion to advance the rulemaking process. “The need to prevent such interference is an issue that transcends partisan politics, and on which all Americans can agree.”