Facebook Weighs Up Political Ad Ban

Facebook Weighs Up Political Ad Ban

Facebook is reportedly considering a ban on political ads ahead of this year’s presidential election in the US, according to Bloomberg.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, the reports suggest the potential ban could serve as a way to prevent the spread of misinformation.

However, there are also concerns such a move would stop ‘get out and vote’ campaigns.

Earlier this month Facebook launched a mass voting campaign, giving all users of voting age in the US information on how to register to vote.

A ban on political ads would mark a big shift for Facebook, which has previously defended its stance on the matter.

“It is not our role to intervene when politicians speak,” Facebook vice president of global affairs and communication Nick Clegg has said.

A ban on political ads would also carry with financial implications for the social network.

Facebook’s Ad Library shows Donald Trump spent nearly $US6.6 million Facebook ads for his presidential campaign in the month of June, while Democrat candidate Joe Biden spent $US11 million in the same period.

However, a ban on political ads could serve as a way to win back some of the advertisers that left the platform as part of the  #StopHateforProfit advertiser boycott.

The boycott was in part a result of Facebook allowing controversial posts by Trump to remain on the platform.

Twitter last year made the landmark decision to ban political ads from the site, with CEO Jack Dorsey declaring at the time “we believe political message reach should be earned, not bought”.

 




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