Promoting Gun Safety via Facebook
In early 2016, Facebook banned private party gun sales. However, they don’t actively enforce this policy, simply relying on users to flag prohibited transactions. But, we have the power to get these gun sales tracking down suspected gun sales and reporting them to Facebook.
All reporting is anonymous. Please familiarize yourself with Facebook’s policies before beginning to report. Read Facebook's Community Standards Here.
The main way people on Facebook are conducting gun sales are through private groups. In these groups, users take advantage of loopholes that exist due to Facebook's negligence. But, YOU have the power to get these guns out. Will you join us and become a gun safety advocate on Facebook?
Reporting Gun Sales on Facebook
Step 1: Find a gun group
Type in keywords into the search bar such as: “guns”, “firearms”, “ammo”, etc. Code words such as: “pew pew” and “bang” are effective as well. Combine that with terms such as “buy/sell”, “trade”, “purchase” etc.
Step 2: Click on the group and explore
Review the group description and decide if you want to move forward. For better accuracy, click on “Join Group” and wait to be accepted. You will then have access to postings and can search for clear evidence of gun sales. Joining a group is optional.
NOTE: Joining a group is OPTIONAL. If you already have enough evidence of likely sales happening, you can report them. If you don’t, you want to try to get in the group to learn more and check out activity before reporting.
Step 3: Report Group
The button next to “Join Group” has an ellipsis on it. Click for a drop down menu. Click “Report Group”
Step 4: “What is wrong with this group?”
Click “It’s for selling drugs, guns or other regulated goods”
Step 5: “What You Can Do”
Click “Submit to Facebook for Review”
Step 6: Check your "Support Inbox"
From the Facebook dashboard on desktop, select the triangle drop down menu and select “Support Inbox.” There you should see what group you anonymously reported and the status of the report. Facebook will later decide and notify you of their decision.
From your phone, open the the top right menu bar, scroll down, and select "help center". Within the help center you will find your "Support Inbox".
Step 7: Screenshot this message as your trophy!
Congratulate yourself for being a steward of gun safety! And remember: don't be deterred if your reporting does not get approved.
Tip: Pace yourself! If you make too many reports in too short of time, you may be banned. Investigate the group in question thoroughly.