Facebook accused of helping advertisers exclude older workers

Facebook's ad targeting system allowed employers to exclude older workers from job advertisements, potentially violating US age discrimination laws. What happened Facebook's ad targeting system enabled employers like Verizon, Amazon and Goldman Sachs to limit job advertisements to specific age ranges, often targeting younger demographics. E xposed by ProPublica and The New York Times , t he practice potentially violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) by preventing older job seekers from seeing these opportunities. Why it happened Facebook defended the practice as an "accepted industry practice" for targeted recruitment. Some companies argued that age-based targeting was similar to advertising in age-specific publications. The platform's ability to deliver ads to precise audiences is central to its business model, but it raised concerns about fairness in employment practices. What it means Older job seekers may have been unfairly excluded from job opportunities, potentially limiting their career prospects and financial stability. The practice could reinforce ageism in the workplace and undermine efforts for diverse and inclusive hiring. System 🤖 Facebook Ads Manager 🔗 Documents 📄 Facebook. This time, ProPublica, we disagree Developer: Facebook Country: USA Sector: Business/professional services Purpose: Target advertising audiences Technology: Advertising management system Issue: Accountability; Bias/discrim ination Regulation 👩🏼‍⚖️ Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

Date it happened

2017-12-01

Product, system or model

Facebooks Ads

This is a record of what was reported, not a finding that anyone broke the law. If it names your organisation and you believe it is wrong, the corrections process is free and open to everyone.