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Verizon suspends advertising on Facebook, joins growing boycott (reuters.com)

535 points by hhs · 2292 days ago · 332 comments on HN

Article summary

Verizon has suspended its advertising on Facebook, joining a growing boycott. The reason behind this decision is not explicitly stated in the comments, but it is speculated to be related to the current economic situation and the company's need to cut its advertising budget. Some commenters believe that Verizon's decision is a response to public pressure against Facebook, while others think it is a convenient excuse to cut advertising spend. The actual motivations behind Verizon's decision are unclear.

Main themes

  • Facebook boycott
  • advertising budget cuts
  • political advertising
  • campaign finance
  • democratic process
  • social media regulation

What commenters say

  • Verizon's decision to suspend advertising on Facebook is seen as a response to public pressure against the platform.
  • The company's move is viewed as a way to cut its advertising budget due to the economic impact of COVID-19.
  • Some argue that political advertising should not be allowed as it gives those with more capital a disproportionate influence.
  • Others believe that restricting political advertising is not a viable solution and that people should be able to use their resources to influence politics.
  • The idea of limiting or banning political advertising is seen as a way to promote a more egalitarian democratic process.
  • There are differing opinions on whether Facebook's business model is inherently harmful and should be changed or if the platform should not exist at all.
  • Some commenters think that Verizon's decision is genuine and not just a cost-cutting measure, while others are more skeptical.
  • The discussion also touches on the topic of campaign finance and the role of money in politics, with some arguing that it is a necessary part of the democratic process and others seeing it as a corrupting influence.