Sen. Mark Warner is teaming up with Senators Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., on legislation they believe will help prevent foreign interference in U.S. elections.

A key aim of the bill is to improve the transparency of online political advertisements, requiring .large online platforms to maintain public records of advertisers who purchase political ads. Reps. Derek Kilmer, D-Wash., and Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.. have introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives.

“In 2016, Russia waged widespread disinformation campaigns that exploited social media in an effort to attack our democracy and divide the American public,” Warner said.

“Right now, our country needs strong defenses that help ward off shady online attacks by demanding increased transparency,” he added.

The bill would require digital platforms with at least 50 million monthly visitors maintain a public file of online ads purchased by anyone or any group that spends more than $500 on the ads. The file would include a copy of the ad, a description of the audience the ad targets, the number of views generated, the dates and times of publication, the rates charged, and the contact information of the purchaser

It would also make clear that “electioneering communication” covered in the 2002 campaign finance reform act and says of 2002 includes paid internet and digital advertisements and would require online platforms make all reasonable efforts to ensure that foreign individuals and entities aren’t buying the ads.

The bill is supported by the Campaign Legal Center, the Alliance for Securing Democracy, the Brennan Center for Justice, Issue One, the Sunlight Foundation, and the Center for American Progress, as well as Facebook, and Twitter.

Dave Ress, 757-247-4535, dress@dailypress.com