Facebook has announced that it will be implementing a new policy that prevents minors from viewing ads related to gun accessories. This will include things like holsters and magazines. The move comes as the gun control debate in the US continues to rage on. A number of corporations in the country have taken a stand against guns calling for more control. This has largely been in response to the recent mass shootings in Santa Fe, Texas and Florida that left dozens of high school students dead. It seems that Facebook is now joining the list of top US companies picking a side in the whole gun control debate.
A spokesman for Facebook also confirmed that the social media platform has already banned ads for guns or modifications. But users can still post ads on gun-related accessories on the platform. Facebook will not ban these ads. However, there will be an age restriction. People who want to show ads for things like gun-mounted flashlights, holsters, scopes, gun paint, gun cases, or even slings will need to restrict their audience to people who are above 18 years old. The policy is expected to take full effect in June 21st this year.
The gun debate in the US has been ignited to a whole new level following the increased gun-related violence. School shootings over the past few years seem to have triggered the interest of many Americans. There’s no agreement though who’s to blame for all this. While many left-leaning politicians have called for tighter gun control measures, second amendment proponents insist that guns are really not the issue.
The Trump administration has also proposed several policies to help address the situation. At one point the White House released a proposal to arm teachers at school in a bid to create deterrence for would-be shooters. The president also promised teachers who decided to arm themselves additional compensation. Trump has made it clear that he’s ready to support tighter background checks for gun buyers.
But there are others on the other side of this debate who feel the solution is to remove guns from the streets and from the hands of civilians. A ban on assault military style weapons has also been proposed. However, even after the two mass shootings in Santa Fe and Florida, there hasn’t been any legal breakthrough in the matter.
Gun control is a passionate topic among Americans and with the midterm elections almost here, many lawmakers are perhaps trying to keep off the murky waters at least until the burden of reelection is resolved. But corporations are not holding back. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, Delta, and United Airlines are some of the major US companies that have taken a stand against gun violence calling for tighter control. Facebook is also making a statement. Even though it’s not as radical as most pro-gun control advocates would expect, it’s still a very important step. Besides, Facebook still doesn’t allow ads for guns on its platform
