Bad Journalism Spreading Misinformation

Facebook issued a statement due to pressure from anti-gun groups to take down gun-related pages. Anti-gun groups have stated that anyone can buy a gun on Facebook without a background check, a claim which is patently false. Facebook's policy statement in reaction to the anti-gun groups highlights two key elements on how they will handle gun related posts. The first is that Facebook will now prevent minors from viewing posts related to firearms. The second is that any user who sets up a transaction via Facebook is reminded to follow the law, and that they cannot advertise a willingness to evade the law. That's it. Nothing too big right?

Well not if you follow the mainstream media like USA Today who touted this as a major victory for gun control groups. The author, Natalie DiBlasio reports:

"The social media giant is blocking minors from seeing postings of gun sales and will take down sales that don't require a background check or cross state lines."

However that is not what the statement by Facebook lays out. Facebook's statement says:

"We will not permit people to post offers to sell regulated items that indicate a willingness to evade or help others evade the law. For example, private sellers of firearms in the U.S. will not be permitted to specify “no background check required,” nor can they offer to transact across state lines without a licensed firearms dealer."

Again, Facebook is basically saying that people cannot advertise a willingness to break current firearms laws. A private transaction can still be arranged through Facebook for a gun sale as long as it follows the law.

Based upon this false information, Natalie DiBlasio reports that the Facebook statement is a major win for gun control groups. I'm sure it would be if only it were true.

Update:

After going back and forth with Ms. DiBlasio on Twitter, I confirmed with a Facebook representative that posts promoting a private gun offer will remain on Facebook as long as they do not violate Facebook community standards. Per my email exchange with said Facebook representative, these standards are:

• Does the post include a specific indication that the person is willing to evade or help others evade the law?  If so, we will remove the post. If not, it will remain on Facebook.
  • Two examples we’ve pointed out as specific indications are offers that demonstrate a willingness to sell a firearm across state lines without a licensed dealer; and offers where someone specifies no background check is required.  
• Does the post include a specific, direct threat against another person’s (or group’s) safety? If so, we will remove the post and potentially notify law enforcement. If not, it will remain on Facebook.

This confirms that Natalie DiBlasio's article is providing false information about Facebook policy. The statement that the social media network will take down sales that don't require a background check or cross state lines are not being taken down. The policy simply states that you can not advertise a willingness to evade or help others evade the law.