What criteria does Facebook use to automatically flag ads for review?

Facebook uses a variety of criteria to automatically flag ads for review to ensure compliance with its advertising policies. While the exact algorithms and criteria are not publicly disclosed in detail, several factors commonly trigger ad reviews:

1. **Text and Image Content:**
   - Ads containing certain keywords, phrases, or language that may violate Facebook's community standards or advertising policies.
   - Images or videos that include sensitive content, such as violence, nudity, or graphic imagery.

2. **Targeting and Audience:**
   - Targeting parameters that could be perceived as discriminatory or violate Facebook's policies on discrimination.
   - Ads targeting sensitive categories like health-related issues, financial products, or political content may undergo stricter scrutiny.

3. **Historical Performance:**
   - Ads from advertisers with a history of policy violations or account suspensions may be flagged for review more frequently.
   - Ads that have previously been reported or flagged by users for policy violations.

4. **Landing Page and URL Content:**
   - Ads that direct users to landing pages with misleading or deceptive content.
   - URLs associated with ad campaigns that lead to websites violating Facebook's advertising policies or community standards.

5. **Prohibited Products and Services:**
   - Ads promoting prohibited products or services, such as illegal drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods, or adult content.
   - Financial products or services that require special authorization or fall under Facebook's restricted ad categories.

6. **Disapproved Ad Content:**
   - Ads that have been previously disapproved or removed by Facebook for policy violations.
   - Non-compliance with specific ad guidelines related to format, dimensions, or interactive elements.

7. **Behavioral and User Feedback:**
   - Ad performance metrics, including high negative feedback (e.g., hide ad, report ad), low engagement rates, or spammy behavior.
   - User-reported content or ad comments that indicate potential violations of Facebook's policies.

8. **Algorithmic and Machine Learning Signals:**
   - Facebook's automated systems use machine learning algorithms to detect patterns and anomalies that may indicate policy violations.
   - Continual updates and adjustments to the algorithm based on new policy guidelines or emerging trends in ad content.

Advertisers should ensure that their ads comply with Facebook's advertising policies and community standards to avoid being flagged for review. It's also advisable to review and understand Facebook's ad policies regularly, as they may evolve over time in response to user feedback, regulatory requirements, or changes in industry standards.