Everytown, Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Applaud Facebook, Instagram Decision To Prohibit Influencers From Being Paid To Advertise Firearms On Its Platforms

According to Reports, Facebook and Instagram Will No Longer Allow Guns to be Promoted via Branded Content

NEW YORK – Following the news that Facebook and Instagram will prohibit influencers from using branded content to advertise firearms, Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Students Demand Action, both a part of Everytown, released the following statements.  

STATEMENT FROM SHANNON WATTS, FOUNDER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“I’m grateful to Facebook and Instagram for taking this common-sense step to encourage safety on its platforms, and I am hopeful that this step in the right direction is a sign of more meaningful policies to come. Facebook has a responsibility to prevent its platforms from being used to mislead the public about public safety issues like gun safety, and while the company has made some good progress, its record is mixed at best.”

STATEMENT FROM JULIANA CARRASCO, NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER FOR STUDENTS DEMAND ACTION AND LEADER WITH THE MIAMI CHAPTER OF STUDENTS DEMAND ACTION 

“My generation doesn’t just use Instagram to post selfies or share memes – Instagram and other social media platforms have become an essential organizing tool for young activists. It’s good that Facebook and Instagram have taken this step, but the companies owe its users more than this. Social media platforms have a responsibility to make sure that they aren’t used to spread hate and lies, especially when it comes to gun violence, which claims 100 American lives each day. Facebook is currently not fulfilling that responsibility.”