What is the Facebook Ads policy on political advertising?

As of my last update in January 2022, Facebook has implemented several policies regarding political advertising to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in the platform's advertising ecosystem. Here are some key aspects of Facebook's policies on political advertising:

1. **Authorization and Advertiser Verification**: Facebook requires advertisers running ads related to politics, social issues, or elections to complete an authorization process and provide additional information to verify their identity and location. This process includes submitting government-issued identification and verifying a residential mailing address.

2. **Ad Transparency and Disclosure**: Political ads on Facebook are subject to ad transparency requirements, including disclosure labels indicating that the ad is "Paid for by" a specific advertiser. Users can view additional information about political ads, such as the advertiser's identity, location, and funding sources, through Facebook's Ad Library.

3. **Ad Content and Messaging**: Political ads must comply with Facebook's community standards and advertising policies, including guidelines on prohibited content such as hate speech, violence, misinformation, and deceptive practices. Advertisers are responsible for ensuring that their ad content is accurate, truthful, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

4. **Targeting Restrictions**: Facebook imposes targeting restrictions on political ads to prevent discriminatory or divisive ad targeting practices. Advertisers are prohibited from targeting ads based on sensitive attributes such as race, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation in the context of political or social issue advertising.

5. **Ad Review and Approval Process**: Facebook reviews and approves political ads before they are published on the platform to ensure compliance with its advertising policies and guidelines. Advertisers may be required to provide additional information or documentation during the review process to verify their eligibility to run political ads.

6. **Ad Spend and Reporting Requirements**: Facebook requires advertisers running political ads to disclose information about their ad spend and provide reports on their advertising activities, including details on ad impressions, reach, and demographic targeting. This information is available to the public through Facebook's Ad Library and Ad Insights tools.

It's important to note that Facebook's policies on political advertising may evolve over time in response to changing regulatory requirements, user feedback, and emerging challenges related to election integrity and online advertising transparency. Advertisers should regularly review Facebook's advertising policies and guidelines to ensure compliance with current requirements when running political ads on the platform.