Facebook is clamping down on pages promoting illegal activities, particularly those involved in the sale of contraband such as drugs or marijuana. If you are a Facebook user and sell marijuana – for medicinal purposes or recreational use – it’s time to rethink your strategy or risk facing Facebook’s stringent actions.
Despite the fact that the sale of marijuana is prohibited and deemed illegal in most countries, certain individuals frequently use it for recreational activities, thereby abusing its use. Of late, numerous issues have cropped up concerning the boundaries set on the content users can post on their social networking pages. These regulations are not merely to control online activity, but majorly to discourage the promotion and sale of hard drugs and marijuana, among other contrabands.
Bringing the issue into the current context, Facebook has taken the initiative to shut down pages known to sell marijuana in Alaska, citing their lack of proper licensing for such activities on its social media platform. Amidst all this controversy, the National Cannabis Industry Association reportedly appealed to Facebook, seeking clearer guidelines on the dos and don’ts of their platform to avoid crossing any boundaries unknowingly.
Following the shutdown, marijuana sellers appealed to Facebook, asking for their accounts to be restored and requested clear guidelines to prevent such instances in the future. This action by Facebook has impacted more than nine US states, where the use of marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes has been legalized, as reported by Taylor West, the deputy director of NCIA.
Facebook stated categorically that they do not endorse content that advocates the sale of marijuana or other illegal drugs. “In order to maintain a safe environment on Facebook, we have Community Standards that describe what is and is not acceptable on the service,” the company stated.
With limitations on the advertisement of marijuana sales on TV and radio, social media platforms have been the primary avenue for these sellers to reach customers. One affected business owner, Leah Levington, described Facebook’s actions as a “frustrating experience” and expressed concern over her Instagram account potentially facing a similar fate.
By curbing the promotion of these illegal substances, Facebook aims to contribute towards a safer, healthier online community. Further crackdowns will ensue until all pages comply with Facebook’s guidelines. It is, thus, imperative that these rules are adhered to while creating a new page on the platform.