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Facebook Bans Ads Pushing Fake Coronavirus Cures

Facebook on Wednesday said it is removing any ads claiming to offer a cure for coronavirus, the deadly virus that has killed several thousand people in recent weeks and affected thousands of others.

A rep for the company expanded on when Facebook would take action against ads referencing coronavirus:

“In the weeks after the World Health Organization’s declared a public health emergency, Facebook is working to support their work in multiple ways,” the rep said, “including taking steps to stop ads for products that refer to the coronavirus and create a sense of urgency, like implying a limited supply, or guaranteeing a cure or prevention. For example, ads with claims like face masks are 100% guaranteed to prevent the spread of the virus will not be allowed.”

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The Facebook rep did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment on how many ads have been removed for violating its policy on misleading coronavirus claims.

Globally, more than 80,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed, according to The New York Times, and nearly 3,000 people have died because of it. Outbreaks in Italy, Iran and South Korea this week have exacerbated fears the virus is continuing to spread. Those fears have also contributed to a stock market decline in the last few days.

Facebook’s stock, for instance, has dropped from about $215 to $199 per share in the last five days.

Read original story Facebook Bans Ads Pushing Fake Coronavirus Cures At TheWrap