Facebook Pauses Ads For Gun Accessories And Military Gear After Complaints From Lawmakers And Employ

[demmiblue]

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are temporarily banning ads promoting weapons accessories and protective equipment in the U.S. until at least January 22nd.”

Following complaints from Senators and employees, Facebook on Saturday said it was temporarily halting ads for gun accessories and military gear through next week’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

The move follows a BuzzFeed News story that revealed the world’s largest social network displaying ads for gun holsters, body armor, and other military-related paraphernalia in the News Feeds of people who had engaged with content about the attempted coup at the US Capitol building earlier this month.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are temporarily banning ads promoting weapons accessories and protective equipment in the U.S. until at least January 22nd,” Facebook spokesperson Liz Bourgeois. “We appreciate our employees, BuzzFeed’s reporting, and policymakers for raising this concern.”

While Facebook already prohibited advertisements for guns, ammunition and weapon enhancements like silencers, the company has still allowed ads for accessories including holsters and attachable flashlights and laser pointers. Facebook users and employees noticed an uptick in ads for these products and military gear including armored vests on their newsfeeds in the days following unrest at the Capitol that left five people dead.

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanmac/facebook-pauses-ads-for-gun-accessories-and-military-gear

[malaise]

1. Sad that they didn't think they should do this for the schoolchildren n/t

[Irish_Dem]

2. MOC are more important than 6 yr olds I guess. nt