What is the Facebook Ads policy on ad targeting and discrimination?

Facebook has policies in place to prevent ad targeting practices that discriminate against or exclude specific groups of people based on factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. Here are the key aspects of Facebook's ad targeting and discrimination policy:

1. **Prohibited Targeting Categories**: Facebook prohibits advertisers from targeting or excluding people based on certain sensitive attributes, including race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, financial status, and more. Advertisers cannot use these attributes to target or exclude specific groups of people in their ads.

2. **Equal Opportunity Principle**: Facebook's ad platform operates on the principle of equal opportunity, meaning that all users should have equal access to advertising opportunities regardless of their personal characteristics or backgrounds. Advertisers must adhere to this principle and ensure that their ads do not discriminate against or exclude any protected groups.

3. **Community Standards and Guidelines**: Advertisers must comply with Facebook's Community Standards and Advertising Policies, which prohibit content that promotes discrimination, hate speech, harassment, or violence against individuals or groups based on protected characteristics. Advertisers are responsible for ensuring that their ads comply with these guidelines and do not violate Facebook's policies.

4. **Special Ad Categories**: Certain types of ads, such as those related to housing, employment, or credit opportunities, fall under Facebook's Special Ad Categories. These ads are subject to additional restrictions and requirements to prevent discrimination and ensure fair access to opportunities. Advertisers targeting these special ad categories must comply with specific guidelines and disclosure requirements.

5. **Audience Size Restrictions**: Facebook may restrict ad targeting options or audience sizes for certain sensitive categories to prevent potential discriminatory practices. Advertisers may encounter limitations on targeting options or audience size when creating ads related to sensitive topics or special ad categories.

6. **Enforcement and Review Process**: Facebook enforces its ad targeting and discrimination policies through automated systems, manual review processes, and user reports. Advertisers found to be in violation of these policies may face consequences such as ad rejection, ad account suspension, or other enforcement actions.

7. **Education and Resources**: Facebook provides education and resources to advertisers to help them understand and comply with ad targeting policies and guidelines. Advertisers can access training materials, best practices guides, and support resources to ensure that their ads adhere to Facebook's policies and promote fair and inclusive advertising practices.

Overall, Facebook's ad targeting and discrimination policy aims to promote fair and inclusive advertising practices and prevent discriminatory practices that could harm or exclude specific groups of people. Advertisers must adhere to these policies and guidelines to ensure that their ads comply with Facebook's standards and promote a positive user experience for all users.