Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

applegrove

(118,015 posts)
Tue May 22, 2018, 08:37 PM May 2018

Facebook now requires your Social Security number to buy political ads

http://money.cnn.com/2018/05/22/technology/facebook-ads-social-security-number/index.html

"SNIP.......


Facebook users in the United States who want to run certain ads on the platform will need to hand over the last four digits of their social security number and a picture of a government-issued ID.

The social network now requires anyone who wants to run ads related to political campaigns, civil rights, immigration, guns, economy, and other issues, to prove they're in the United States. Part of the proof required is the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The move is part of a series of initiatives by Facebook to increase transparency on the platform after a Russian government-linked troll group spent thousands of rubles on Facebook ads targeting Americsans ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

In addition to a Social Security number, users wishing to buy ads will need to provide a picture of a government-issued ID and a US mailing address. Once Facebook verifies the information submitted, the company will mail a code to the provided address to authorize the user's Facebook account to buy ads.

.......SNIP"
9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Facebook now requires your Social Security number to buy political ads (Original Post) applegrove May 2018 OP
Actually sounds like a pretty solid idea. bearsfootball516 May 2018 #1
Yes. Plus verified id is something they can use in the future. Imagine applegrove May 2018 #2
And for those of us who choose to not have a Facebook ID? mythology May 2018 #3
I hear you. I'm hesitant but hope it will mean a safer world somehow. applegrove May 2018 #4
This is for running an ad dhol82 May 2018 #5
What's to stop someone from selling their services as a Merlot May 2018 #9
Makes sense, especially for tax purposes meow2u3 May 2018 #6
The last 4 digits will have to match the name and address. applegrove May 2018 #7
One issue with the address part crazycatlady May 2018 #8

applegrove

(118,015 posts)
2. Yes. Plus verified id is something they can use in the future. Imagine
Tue May 22, 2018, 08:43 PM
May 2018

going into the lobby of a secure building and facial recognition records your name, connects to a strong facebook id, and records your entrance and exit. Instead of a security guard. Would work at the airport too. On transportation also. Would make for fewer crimes. But that is just me and my security fetish.

 

mythology

(9,527 posts)
3. And for those of us who choose to not have a Facebook ID?
Tue May 22, 2018, 09:11 PM
May 2018

Given the difficulties Facebook has with keeping information actually private (and to be fair pretty much every other company out there), I'm exceedingly skeptical it's a good idea to do something like that.

Merlot

(9,696 posts)
9. What's to stop someone from selling their services as a
Tue May 22, 2018, 11:10 PM
May 2018

add purchaser? There are more than a few americans with a SS number who would be happy to purchase ads for a payment.

meow2u3

(24,743 posts)
6. Makes sense, especially for tax purposes
Tue May 22, 2018, 10:32 PM
May 2018

It also makes sense to slow down foreign cyberinvaders, but with one problem I can think of: what about the identity thieves who steal another person's SSN to buy political ads?

crazycatlady

(4,492 posts)
8. One issue with the address part
Tue May 22, 2018, 10:51 PM
May 2018

Most political operatives are nomads (I know I am having worked in 9 states in the last 8 years). I have not been home in two months and any mail received would go unanswered.

However, digital is often done by consulting firms and maybe the staff at the firms are not as nomadic as the rank and file on campaigns.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Facebook now requires you...