Guns for sale on social media despite Meta's policies against it

Source: CBS News

Updated on: October 7, 2024 / 4:53 PM EDT


Glocks, military-style rifles and "ghost guns" have all been advertised for sale on easily accessible sites like Facebook and Instagram. Each ad appears to be in direct violation of Meta's own policies, raising questions about the company's ability to effectively moderate content. Some of the ads go even further, potentially violating local and federal laws.

Meta has banned ads for the sale of firearms since 2016. The company's policy simply states: "Ads must not promote the sale or use of weapons, ammunition or explosives. This includes ads for weapon modification accessories."

But more than 230 of these ads ran on Meta's platforms in just over two months, many directing users to Telegram for the actual transaction, according to a new study released Oct. 7 by the Tech Transparency Project and the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund.

"TTP's investigation shows that Meta is giving gun traffickers unparalleled reach," said Katie Paul, director of Tech Transparency Project. "Until Meta enforces the rules it has on the books, its advertising engine will continue to be a vector for dangerous weapons that threaten the safety of Americans and others around the world."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/guns-for-sale-meta-facebook-instagram-policies/