Watch CBS News

Facebook Cracks Down On Gun Sales, Advertising On Its Network

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- Facebook says it's cracking down on online gun sales, with a new policy that bars private individuals from advertising or selling firearms on the world's largest social network.

Licensed gun retailers can still advertise their businesses on Facebook, but they aren't allowed to accept orders or transact sales on the site.

FB Post from gun store advertising .357 revolvers 'back in stock'

Chiappa Rhino 40DS .357 revolvers back in stock

Posted by Sportsman's Arms Gun Store on Monday, January 25, 2016

The new policy announced Friday drew praise from a gun-control group that says it has been urging Facebook to prohibit sales. Everytown for Gun Safety, which started with backing from former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, says it found cases where felons who should not have been allowed to legally buy guns were able to buy one from unlicensed sellers on Facebook.

© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.