Facebook bans ads for medical face masks

Considering the growing concerns over the coronavirus related exploitation, the social media giant, Facebook has temporarily banned all ads and commerce listings related to medical face masks.

In scenarios like these, where there is a health crisis like situation prevailing all across the world, it is very important to ensure the circulation of credible and authentic information. To ensure the same, Facebook attempts to restrict the presence of anything related to coronavirus, in its platform.

Not just imposition of bans on ads for medical products, any coronavirus themed groups and pages will also be blocked from its algorithm. The same rules will apply to Instagram as well. In a tweet, the head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri said: “Supplies are short, prices tare up, and we’re against people exploiting this public health emergency.”

According to World Health Organization, people have been buying face masks and other equipment leading to a shortage of protective gear for health care workers, exposing them to the deadly virus and other infectious diseases that can put their lives at risk.

Not just Facebook, similar moves are seen to be taken by eBay and Amazon that have also modified rules around coronavirus-related merchandise. eBay has reportedly banned sales of all face masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes in an effort to prevent price gouging. Amazon has removed from its platform, third-party listings that significantly raised prices of hand sanitizer and face masks.