Bing has announced that it will no longer allow ads for recreational guns as of July 1, 2018.
Bing’s definition of recreational guns include BB guns, paintball guns, air rifles, and other non-lethal firearms.
In addition to disallowing ads for the firearms themselves, Bing will not allow ads for accessories or devices that can be attached to recreational guns. Ads for products that can be used to create ammunition, or aid in the reloading process, will also not be allowed.
Since Bing already disallowed ads for lethal firearms, integral weapon parts, and ammunition, the company says this policy change was made in an effort to create more consistency.
“The inclusion of additional weapon-related products will help bring more consistency to our ad network. This change will also help reduce confusion about products advertised. Many of the recreational type guns like air rifles look like real guns and consumers may be led to click on offers that are different than their expectations. Finally, this change responds to the feedback from Bing Ads publishers who have similar policies in place.”
After this policy change comes into effect on July 1st, Bing will still allow ads for accessories that do not attach to weapons or assist in the reloading process.
Examples of firearm-related products that are still allowed to be advertised include goggles, earplugs, gun safes, cleaning kits, holsters, and concealed carry clothing.
Bing, like Google, is always updating its advertising policies to protect users from products which the company deems to be risky. Most recently Bing banned ads for cryptocurrency.
