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'll explore in detail what can't be advertised on Facebook Ads, providing a list of restrictions and examples of prohibited ads.

Facebook Advertising Policies

General restrictions

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

Therefore, the platform prohibits the promotion of some 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 that contain this type of content will be rejected by the platform.

Likewise, ads must not promote misinformation and fake news. Another point is that content that explores crisis situations or controversial political and social topics 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.

Non-working landing pages and non-existent functionality

Facebook Ads does not allow directing the user to landing pages that do not work, be they a page on a website under construction, or with an error in the destination, PDF or JPG files, which do not correspond to the service or advertisement being promoted, which require the download of other programs or software to access the content or that have a low rating from the Web of Trust.

Furthermore, advertisements that have features that do not exist, such as a play button that does not work, for example, are not accepted.

Deceptive and fraudulent practices

Ads cannot promote products or services that induce the user 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 aimed at immediate needs, such as payday loans, salary advances, bail payments or any form of short-term credit intended to cover expenses until the next paycheck. These small-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 advertise ways to make a profit that do not provide 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 easy strategies.

Examples of Prohibited Ads

Spyware or malware

Ads cannot contain or promote software that results in misleading or unexpected experiences, such as spyware, malware, as well as websites that promote or contain these products.

Auctions

Facebook Ads does not allow ad promotion of penny auctions 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 the relevant regulatory authorities have not approved. Another important point are ads that feature before and after images and that present unlikely results. Ad policies will reject these ads, as well as any content that attempts to generate a negative self-image to promote dieting, weight loss, or other health-related content.

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

In relation to vaccination, advertisements that discourage vaccination in any way or that are against the guidance 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 people over 18 years of age, without focusing on sexual pleasure.

Controlled drugs and 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. Just stay up to date with the list of restrictions, periodically reviewing the 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 guidelines to get the best results from your Facebook marketing campaigns.

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