Facebook has issued a news release fighting the claims of ProPublica that the social media platform’s job ads specifically target younger audiences, thereby discriminating against older users.
In defense of the accusations, Facebook explains how its own as well as third-party advertisers’ job ads are not discriminatory in any way.
With its own ads, Facebook says it tailors the ads by audience, sometimes using women or older people. Basically, it flat out rejects ProPublica’s claims.
In reference to third-party recruitment ads, Facebook highlights the checks and measures it’s built into the platform to not only educate advertisers about having to comply with U.S. regulatory requirements in regards to job ads, but also to highlight why a person is shown a particular ad.
Says Rob Goldman, VP of Ads:
“our “why am I seeing this ad?” button has set the industry standard for ads transparency: it’s why ProPublica was able to identify these ads in the first place.”
The gist of it is what Facebook claims at the end:
“Used responsibly, age-based targeting for employment purposes is an accepted industry practice and for good reason: it helps employers recruit and people of all ages find work.”
+++ + +++
