Facebook bans advertising for gun accessories
Facebook is banning advertising for gun accessories on its platforms. This was done in view of threats of violence surrounding the inauguration of the new US President Joe Biden.
The ban is effective immediately and until at least two days after Biden takes office on Jan. 20, the group said Saturday (local time). The company operates social networking sites Facebook and Instagram, as well as messaging service WhatsApp. "We already ban ads for guns, ammunition and gun enhancements like silencers. But we will now also ban ads for accessories," Facebook announced.
On Jan. 6, hundreds of supporters of President-elect Donald Trump had stormed the U.S. House seat, killing five people. As a result, security forces in Washington are on alert ahead of Biden's inauguration next Wednesday. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, for example, warns of armed protests planned for Washington and all capitals of the 50 states.
Three US senators had written a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Friday. In it, they called on him to permanently block advertising for products that are clearly intended for use in armed combat. (SDA)
