Facebook removing the content on 3D-printing of guns

GB news 24 desk//

Facebook is removing content related to instructions on 3D printing of firearms, a company spokesperson said, as debate around access to gun in the United States intensifies.

“Sharing instructions on how to print firearms using 3D printers is not allowed under our Community Standards. In line with our policies, we are removing this content from Facebook,” the social media giant said. Facebook did not clarify if it would remove only the related posts or the host pages and accounts as well, but said it would soon share an updated policy on restricted goods.

Recently, Facebook asked major US banks to share customer data to allow it to develop new services on the social network’s Messenger texting platform, a banking source told AFP. Facebook had discussions with Chase, JPMorgan, Citibank, and Wells Fargo several months ago, said the source, who asked to remain anonymous. The Silicon Valley-based social network also contacted US Bancorp, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news.

Facebook, which has come under intense criticism for sharing user data with many app developers, was interested in information including bank card transactions, checking account balances, and where purchases were made, according to the source. A Facebook spokesperson denied the social network had asked financial institutions for transaction data, according to a statement given to CNBC.

Facebook and Citigroup did not immediately respond to AFP’s requests for comment, while Wells Fargo declined to address the news. The goal was to create new ways for Messenger to be woven into, and facilitate, interactions between banks and customers, according to the reports. The smartphone texting service boasts 1.3 billion users.

JPMorgan Chase spokeswoman Patricia Wexler directed AFP to a statement given to the Wall Street Journal saying, “We don’t share our customers’ off-platform transaction data with these platforms and have had to say ‘No’ to some things as a result.”