City
Epaper

Facebook may finally take some action on political ads

By IANS | Updated: November 22, 2019 11:25 IST

Sense seems to be prevailing at Facebook and the social networking giant is willing to make some changes in its political ad policies to stop misinformation on its platform during elections.

Open in App

Facebook is mulling a ban on political ads that target small audiences or microtargeted ads.

It would increase the minimum target size for a political ad from 100 people to a "few thousand," according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Facebook has reportedly asked Democrat and Republican ad buyers for inputs.

A company spokesperson said Facebook was "looking at different ways [it] might refine" its viewpoint on allowing political ads.

Tech giants are under pressure to take action on the spread of misinformation via political ads. Facebook recently allowed US President Donald Trump's campaign office to post a fake ad about Democrat presidential hopeful Joe Biden on its platform.

Google has announced new limits on political advertisers globally from micro-targeting users via election ads based on their political affiliation.

"We've never allowed granular microtargeting of political ads on our platforms. In many countries, the targeting of political advertising is regulated and we comply with those laws," it said.

Even Snapchat has said it fact-checks all political ads and does not allow misinformation to sneak through its platform. Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel said the company subjects all advertising to review, including political advertising.

Twitter on November 15 officially banned all kinds of political ads from its platform. No political content will be promoted from candidates, parties, governments or officials, public accounts committees (PACs) and certain political non-profit groups, said the micro-blogging platform.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: Donald TrumpJoe BidenEvan SpiegelgoogleIans
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalUS Visa Waiver Program: Can Indian Passport Holders Enter the US Without Visa? Citizens of 41 Countries Get Free Entry

InternationalPahalgam Attack: Trump, Putin, and Global Leaders Express Solidarity with India

InternationalPahalgam Terror Attack: US President Donald Trump Offers Condolences, Pledges Full Support to India

TechnologyGoogle Layoffs: Indian Employees in Hyderabad and Bengaluru Likely to Be Affected

OpinionsWill the Trump Card work Against China?

International Realted Stories

InternationalTwo Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza

InternationalIranian FM voices satisfaction with 'process, pace' of indirect talks with US

InternationalTaiwan detects Chinese military activity near its territory

InternationalHouthis say Russian sailors injured in US airstrikes on Yemen's Red Sea port

InternationalNo justification for such acts of terror: Iranian Prez condemns J&K attack in phone call with PM Modi