After call from Healey, others, Facebook bans events, ads on weapon accessories, equipment ahead of inauguration

Friday, Attorney General Maura Healey joined the attorneys general from the District of Columbia, Illinois, and New Jersey sent a letter to Facebook, urging the company to halt the advertising of military tactical gear and weapon accessories on its platform at least until after the presidential inauguration.

Facebook apparently was listening.

In the letter, the attorneys general urged the company to immediately halt allowing these advertisements on its platform while the District of Columbia and Capitol buildings across the country prepare for heightened violence.

“It’s unconscionable that a company would take advantage of this violence to make a profit,” said AG Healey. “We are calling on Facebook to take immediate action to prevent its platform from being used to promote weapons accessories or military tactical gear to individuals who have expressed an intent to commit violence. Facebook must do its part to help ensure public safety in the days and weeks ahead.”

Facebook issued an update on their blog Saturday that they would be making changes.

“We are banning ads that promote weapon accessories and protective equipment in the US at least through January 22, out of an abundance of caution. We already prohibit ads for weapons, ammunition and weapon enhancements like silencers. But we will now also prohibit ads for accessories such as gun safes, vests and gun holsters in the US.”

In addition, Facebook is also blocking certain events.

“We are blocking the creation of any new Facebook events happening in close proximity to locations including the White House, the US Capitol building and any of the state capitol buildings through Inauguration Day. Our operations center is also conducting a secondary review of all Facebook events related to the inauguration and removing ones that violate our policies.”

Following the breach of the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, Facebook removed President Trump’s account indefinitely as they felt he was using the platform to “incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.”

Healey stated on Friday that she was also concerned at who the ads were targeting.

“Reports indicate that users who are believed to have an affinity for extremist content, including content inciting further violence or promoting election misinformation, are continuing to post and receive targeted advertisements for weapons accessories and military tactical gear, which could further promote and facilitate violent and politically motivated attacks.”