Facebook and Google ban ads selling medical face masks

Amidst growing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, Facebook and Google have banned ads selling medical face masks on their respective platforms. 

The bans come as methods to “protect users,” according to a Google spokesperson who spoke with CNBC. In a statement, the spokesperson said:

Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily ban all medical face mask ads. We’re actively monitoring the situation and will continue to take action as needed to protect users.

Similarly, Facebook’s head of its trust and integrity team for ads and business products, Rob Leathern, said:

We’re banning ads and commerce listings selling medical face masks. We’re monitoring COVID19 closely and will make necessary updates to our policies if we see people trying to exploit this public health emergency. We’ll start rolling out this change in the days ahead.

The bans seem to be efforts to combat the exploitation of fear surrounding the coronavirus. Many areas in the United States have suffered from shortages of disposable goods typically associated with crises, such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and isopropyl alcohol. Consequently, prices for some of these goods have experienced rampant inflation in local and online marketplaces. 

What are your thoughts on the ban on ads for medical face masks? Let us know in the comments.