On Facebook, scammers often take advantage of stories in the news in order to exploit users — and the global coronavirus outbreak may be the biggest example of yet. That’s why, late last week, Facebook announced a temporary ban on ads for medical facemasks that may be making false health promises or further stoking public panic.

Concern over the spreading virus has caused these facemasks to be bought out in many markets. However, some of these masks are not even effective, while others are being sold for exorbitant prices. That’s why the company is cracking down on these ads, in addition to measures it has already put in place to fight coronavirus misinformation.

“We already prohibit people from making health or medical claims related to the coronavirus in product listings on commerce surfaces, including those listings that guarantee a product will prevent someone from contracting it,” Facebook Head of Health Kang-Xing Jin wrote in a blog post. “We also have a dedicated channel for local governments to share listings they believe violate local laws.”

When it comes to banning content, Facebook often finds itself between a rock and a hard place. Either the site stands by and lets spam flourish, or it cracks down and gets accused of censorship. However, in the midst of a massive public health crisis like this, the social media giant is undoubtedly doing the right thing by tamping down these potentially misleading posts.

Recommended Resources

The Choice of Tech Experts Worldwide. Try 90 days free of Bitdefender 2020 and experience the highest level of digital safety.

Private Internet Access is an award-winning, cost-effective VPN solution. The use of an anonymous and trusted VPN is essential to your online privacy, security and identity protection.

System Mechanic 14 – Make your computer run like new. Winner of 200+ Editor’s Choice awards!