Users can still sell guns and other regulated items indirectly via Facebook and Instagram, but the process just got a whole lot harder. The social network is cracking down on the sale of regulated items, by introducing a series of educational and enforcement efforts for people discussing the private sale of regulated items.

Monika Bickert (Head, Global Policy Management, Facebook): People sometimes use our free tools to discuss products that are regulated or controversial. In some cases they promote these products for sale or use, even though it’s not possible to complete a sale on Facebook or Instagram.

Initiatives being introduced by Facebook include requiring Pages that are primarily used by people to promote the private sale of commonly regulated goods or services “to include language that clearly reminds people of the importance of understanding and complying with relevant laws and regulations, and limit access to people over the age of 18 or older if required by applicable law.”

Now, any time the social network receives a report on Facebook about a post promoting the private sale of a regulated item, it will send a message to that person reminding him to comply with relevant laws and regulations. The social network will also limit access to that post to people over the age of 18.

Facebook says it will not permit people to post offers to sell regulated items that indicate a willingness to evade or help others evade the law. For example, private sellers of firearms in the U.S. will not be permitted to specify “no background check required,” nor can they offer to transact across state lines without a licensed firearms dealer.

Facebook will also provide in-app education on Instagram for those who search for sales or promotions of firearms.

[Image courtesy: Facebook]