Facebook rolls out new rules for political advertising globally

Facebook has rolled out its transparency tools globally for advertisers wanting to place ads about social issues, elections or politics.

The social networking platform already requires that advertisers get authorised and add disclaimers to political ads in over 50 countries and territories, including in India.

"Now we're expanding proactive enforcement on these ads to countries where elections or regulations are approaching, starting with Ukraine, Singapore, Canada and Argentina," Sarah Schiff, Product Manager at Facebook said in a blog post on Tuesday.

As part of the authorisation process for advertisers, Facebook confirms their ID and allows them to disclose who is responsible for the ad, which will appear on the ad itself.

The ad and "Paid for by" disclaimer are placed in the Ad Library for seven years, along with more information such as range of spend and impressions, as well as demographics of who saw it.

"The authorisation process will not change in countries where we've previously launched, and people who previously authorised will not need to reauthorise," said the company.

"Beginning today, we will systematically detect and review ads in Ukraine and Canada through a combination of automated and human review. In Singapore and Argentina, we will begin enforcement within the next few months," said Facebook which also plans to roll out the Ad Library Report in both of those countries after enforcement is in place.

"We're also rolling out access to our Ad Library API globally so regulators, journalists, watchdog groups and other people can analyze ads about social issues, elections or politics and help hold advertisers and Facebook accountable," said Facebook.

In countries where Facebook is not yet detecting or reviewing these ads, "these tools provide their constituents with more information about who's influencing their vote -- and we suggest voters and local regulators hold these elected officials and influential groups accountable as well".