New Facebook Policy Will Not Do Enough to Prevent Unchecked Gun Sales According to the Brady Campaign

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "This new policy is not a victory because Facebook continues to make it too easy for dangerous people to evade a background check when buying guns. A mere warning to follow the law and community-based reporting will not do enough to prevent unchecked gun sales to dangerous people," says Daniel Gross, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.  "As we and thousands of others have told Facebook, unlicensed gun sales have no place on the social network. Facebook should prohibit all posts that advertise the unlicensed sale or transfer of firearms in the United States. Sadly, it's only a matter of time before a gun purchased through Facebook without a background check is used in a terrible tragedy. " 

"Facebook and Instagram are great platforms to share opinions, memories and photos, but they shouldn't be providing opportunities for criminals to evade background checks and get guns," says Heidi Yewman, spokesperson for the Million Mom March and Brady Campaign Chapters. "As a parent, I'm disappointed that an industry leader like Facebook is way behind on such an important issue involving the safety and security of us all. I stand with moms across the country and ask that Facebook and Instagram join Craigslist, Google and eBay and prohibit unlicensed gun sales." 

The mission of the Brady organization is to create a safer America that will lead to the dramatic reduction in gun deaths and injuries.

The Million Mom March, united with the Brady Campaign, is a nationwide network of grassroots chapters and activists who work to promote sensible gun laws across the country.  The "Million Mom March" rally was the largest of its kind, uniting mothers across the country on Mother's Day in 2000 on the National Mall in Washington, DC in order to promote stronger gun violence prevention measures. 

SOURCE Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence