Firearms sales are still quite active on Facebook and Instagram, as claimed by a new study conducted by the Media Matters of America, a non-profit tech watchdog group.
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A woman uses her mobile phone to check Facebook in Yangon on February 4,2021 as Myanmar's generals ordered internet providers to restrict access to Facebook, days after they seized power. (Photo by AFP)
Because of this, experts believe that Meta is not conducting enough efforts to prevent the illegal sales of weapons on its owned social media platforms.
In 2016, the tech giant firm announced that selling firearms on its platforms is not allowed. These include actual weapons and even firearm components.
This means that you still can't sell a gun chamber, magazine, and other parts separately on Facebook and Instagram. But, it seems like some users are able to bypass its gun sale ban.
Firearms Sale on Facebook, Instagram Still Active?
According to The Guardian's latest report, Media Matters of America's new study revealed that some Instagram and Facebook users can still purchase weapon components, which they can collect to build high-powered, automatic firearms.
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The Walther PP handgun used by Sean Connery as James Bond, 007, in the first James Bond film, "Dr. No" (1962) is displayed at a press preview of Julien's Auctions Presents Icons And Idols: Rock 'N' Roll, Hollywood and Sports, November 24, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California.
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The organization said that more than 40 active listings in the U.S. on Instagram Shopping and Facebook Marketplace are still selling weapon ammunition, accessories, and components.
Some of these are specifically charging handles, rail systems, and buffer assemblies. Experts confirmed that these parts could easily be assembled or modified, creating dangerous firearms.
Aside from the Media Matters for America, other agencies are observing the firearms sales on Facebook and IG. One of them is the advocacy group called Coalition For a Safer Web.
If you want to see more details about other studies involving weapon sales on IG and FB, you can visit this link.
Firearm Sale on Facebook Still Illegal
Facebook's official Help Center page confirmed that the sale and trade of firearms between private individuals are still not allowed on the platform.
But, there are some instances when firearms sales are allowed. These include commercial activities.
"Firearm shops and online retailers are allowed to engage in a commercial activity involving firearms and ammunition on Facebook (e.g. offering a gun for sale) as long as all applicable laws and regulations are followed," said Facebook.
Now, here are some of the firearms banned in private sales:
- Revolvers
- Air rifles
- Paintball markers
- Firearm replicas
- Non-functioning firearms
- Curios and relics
- Firearm receivers
- Antique guns
- Black powder firearms
- Muzzle-loading firearms
- BB guns
- Airsoft guns
- Air guns
Meanwhile, Facebook's nearby friends and other features were expected to be phased out.
On the other hand, Meta confirmed that it would disclose Facebook political ad data.
For more news updates about Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms owned by Meta, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Griffin Davis
