What cannot be advertised on Facebook Ads

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Facebook Ads is a powerful advertising platform that allows businesses to reach millions of users around the world. However, there are certain restrictions and policies that advertisers must follow to ensure their ads are approved and displayed. In this article, we will explore in detail what cannot be advertised on Facebook Ads, providing a list of the restrictions and examples of prohibited ads.

Facebook Advertising Policies

General restrictions

The Facebook has strict guidelines governing the promotion of paid content on its platform. This includes restrictions related to specific products, services, and behaviors.

As such, the platform prohibits the promotion of certain products and services. This includes items such as firearms, tobacco, illegal drugs, and unapproved dietary supplements.

Sensitive content and misinformation

Additionally, Facebook also prohibits the promotion of sensitive content, such as graphic violence, nudity, and hate speech. Ads containing this type of content will be rejected by the platform.

Likewise, advertisements must not promote misinformation and fake news. Another point is that content that explores crisis situations or controversial political and social themes cannot be used for commercial purposes.

Discriminatory content

Advertisements must avoid any form of discrimination or promotion of discrimination based on individual characteristics, such as ethnic origin, skin color, nationality, religious belief, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic profile or health status.

Unauthorized third party content

Facebook Ads rejects ads that contain third-party content that violates unauthorized image rights, copyrights, and trademarks.

Landing pages that don't work and functionality is missing

Facebook Ads does not allow you to direct users to landing pages that do not work, whether it is a page on a website under construction, or with an error in the destination, that are PDF or JPG files, that do not correspond to the service or ad promoted, that require the download of other programs or software to access the content or that have a low rating from Web of Trust.

Additionally, ads that have functionality that does not exist, such as a play button that does not work, are not accepted.

Deceptive and fraudulent practices

Ads may not promote products or services that induce users to engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices. Likewise, pyramid schemes or false promises of profit are not accepted.

Loans, prohibited financial services and multi-level marketing

Ads are prohibited from advertising loans for immediate needs, such as payday loans, salary advances, bail bonds, or any form of short-term credit intended to cover expenses until the next paycheck. These short-term loans cover periods of up to 90 days.

Likewise, they cannot promote financial products or services associated with fraudulent or deceptive practices, such as binary options, initial coin offerings, and contract for difference trading.

Advertisements that promote ways to make money without providing a complete description of the product or associated business model are prohibited, as are those that promote schemes that promise quick returns with minimal investment, including network marketing and get-rich-quick or get-rich-quick strategies.

Examples of Prohibited Ads

Spyware or malware

Ads may not contain or promote software that results in misleading or unexpected experiences, such as spywares, malware, as well as sites that promote or contain these products.

Auctions

Facebook Ads does not allow the promotion of penny auction ads or other similar business models.

Tobacco and related products

Facebook Ads prohibits advertising tobacco-related products such as cigarettes and hookahs.

Weapons and ammunition

The platform does not allow the inclusion of advertisements that promote the sale of firearms, ammunition and related accessories.

Health Products and Unlikely Results

Facebook Ads prohibits any health product that has not been approved by the relevant regulatory authorities. Another important point is ads that feature before-and-after images and that show unlikely results. The ad policies will reject these ads, as well as any content that attempts to create a negative self-image to promote diets, weight loss, or other health-related content.

Facebook prohibits ads that promote the sale of human body parts or bodily fluids.

Regarding vaccination, advertisements that discourage vaccination in any way or that are against the guidelines of health authorities are prohibited.

Dietary supplements

The platform will reject ads that promote dietary supplements with unproven or misleading claims.

Betting and gambling

Advertising gambling, online casinos and sports betting is against Facebook's advertising policies.

Adult content

Facebook Ads does not allow any adult content, including pornography and escort services, including related products and services.

In the case of products and services for sexual and reproductive health, contraception and family planning, they must be aimed at an audience over 18 years of age, without focusing on sexual pleasure.

Drugs and controlled substances

The platform will reject ads that promote the use of illegal drugs or controlled substances.

In short…

In short, Facebook Ads has a comprehensive list of restrictions that advertisers must follow. Simply stay up to date with the list of restrictions by periodically reviewing the restrictions. Facebook Advertising Policies to ensure ongoing compliance and avoid any violations that could result in account suspension or other penalties. Stay informed and keep your ads within the guidelines to get the best results from your Facebook marketing campaigns.

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