Report: Facebook Is Showing Ads For Military Gear Next To D.C. Riot Posts

In the wake of last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol, Facebook is again facing criticism for allowing extremist groups to use its platform to organize. For its part, Facebook has said that it took adequate steps to crack down on content that could promote violence. However, according to a report in BuzzFeed News this week, the company is currently running ads for military gear next to posts about events at the Capitol.

Facebook employees have reportedly flagged these ads for removal, for fear that it makes it look like the company is profiting off the violence. Facebook responded with a statement that said it bans such advertisements, but the fact that they’re so easy to find is evidence that the company may not be doing enough to detect them. In addition, experts have strongly criticized Facebook’s algorithm for serving up this kind of content to potentially dangerous users in the first place.

“Facebook has spent years facilitating fringe voices who use the platform to organize and amplify calls for violence,” said Katie Paul, director of the nonprofit watchdog Tech Transparency Project. “As if that weren’t enough, Facebook’s advertising microtargeting is directing domestic extremists toward weapons accessories and armor that can make their militarized efforts more effective, all while Facebook profits.”

While Facebook is doing everything it can to distance itself from last week’s horrific events, it seems like the company may once again be forced to explain why it didn’t do enough to prevent tragedy.




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