Sometimes, I shell out a few dollars for Facebook to “boost” a post on my Melinda Blau, author page. Writers like to be read. Yesterday, for example, I pledged $8 to promote “Make America Capable Again.”
To my surprise, a few hours later I received a message from Facebook: “Your ad was rejected.”
We require people to complete an ID confirmation to run ads about social issues, elections or politics.
Seriously? Didn’t I read in The New York Times a few months ago that Facebook was “defying pressure from Congress,” by refusing to fact-check or police political ads? And now I boost a post on the importance of being capable, and Facebook needs to investigate? Was the MAGA-inspired title the red flag or the word pandemic?
This is part of our efforts to know who’s responsible for the content and funding of ads that discuss political candidates, elected officials or issues like immigration.
Out of curiosity, I read Facebook’s advertising policy and clicked on “Start Identity Confirmation.”
First question: “Where will you run ad?” The United States.
Once a code arrived via my cell phone, I was expected to give my mailing address and to provide proof of identity by entering my social security, passport or driver’s license number. I never got to the page where I was expected to answer assorted other questions.
Facebook might be trying to look like they’re policing Russian trolls. They overreached in my case. Attracting a few new readers is not worth my giving Facebook more information about me than they already have.
So I hope you faithful stalwarts will continue to read my posts without prodding from Facebook. Please enjoy my website and encourage others to “subscribe.”
Maybe I can gather new readers without Facebook’s boost — especially when I write such controversial and politically-motivated material!
Scary time on so many levels!
Incredible!!
I’m not going to go into one of my diatribes., but this on the heels of them stating that they would not fact check Republican adds.