30 Jan 2016

Facebook cracks down on gun sales

2:45 pm on 30 January 2016

Facebook plans to begin prohibiting users from coordinating private sales of firearms on the online social network.

The move comes as the United States debates the issue of access to guns after a string of mass shootings.

Facebook already prohibited private firearms sellers from advertising "no background check required," or offering transactions across state lines without a licensed dealer. The company said such posts indicated a willingness to evade the law.

A spokeswoman said licensed retailers will still be able to advertise firearms on Facebook that lead to transactions outside of its service.

- Reuters