Sensing urgency, Facebook bans ads with false claims about novel coronavirus

New Delhi, February 27: In an appreciative gesture to curb false claims related to coronavirus, the Facebook has banned advertisements that make wrong claims about products tied to the new coronavirus. The social network on Thursday said that it was removing ads that feature a product and imply a limited supply, seeking create a sense of urgency in their mention of coronavirus.

 

"Ads that guarantee a cure or prevention are also banned. For instance, ads for face masks that claim the products are 100% guaranteed to prevent the spread of the virus would not be allowed", it said.

 

 

The statement comes less than a month after the company announced that it would be removing misinformation about the new coronavirus from both its Facebook and Instagram platforms. At the time it said that this policy would include any content about fake cures or prevention methods, or misleading claims about what health resources are available.

 

Facebook’s position on coronavirus misinformation is similar to its position on anti-vaccination content. Last year it said that it would remove anti-vaccine groups and pages from its recommendations, and that it would not allow ads to target users based on related terms.

 

The ban went into effect this week. Facebook had previously banned ads, along with regular unpaid posts, that peddle fake cures such as drinking bleach, spread conspiracy theories about the virus, or discourage people from seeking medical treatment.

 

The ban went into effect as the World Health Organization reported that the number of new cases outside China exceeded the number of new infections inside the country for the first time on Tuesday. The COVID-19 virus has now spread to at least 39 countries.