Social media giant, Facebook has disclosed its plans to improve transparency of political advertisements as Nigeria draw closer to the 2019 general elections.
In a statement released by the organisation, it is working to build on political ad transparency efforts, which it has successfully launched in the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil.
“As we prepare for major elections around the world this year, we are continuing our focus on preventing foreign interference and giving people more information about the ads they see across our platforms,” the statement read.
“Political advertisers must confirm their identity and location before they can run ads, and their ads are housed in a public, searchable Ad Library for up to seven years.”
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It noted that additional protections ahead of upcoming elections would be rolled out in the coming months
It said, “In Nigeria and Ukraine, we will temporarily expand enforcement and not accept foreign electoral ads around their elections, starting with Nigeria on January 16.
“In India, we will launch an Ad Library in February and enforce authorisations ahead of the country’s general elections this spring. For the European Union, we plan to roll out ad transparency tools before May elections.
“Globally, by the end of June, we will provide a set of these tools for advertisers around the world.”
Facebook explained that, with the transparency of political ads, news organisations, regulators, watchdog groups and people anywhere in the world would be able to hold advertisers and social platforms more accountable.