Facebook relaxes rules about coronavirus advertising, including allow ads for non-medical masks

Restrictions were intended as a way to keep people safe from scams and price gouging

The Facebook logo is displayed during the F8 Facebook Developers conference on April 30, 2019 in San Jose, California (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Facebook has relaxed some of its rules about coronavirus ads, which were initially added to keep people safe.

The company will now allow non-medical masks to appear in marketing – though it will still keep other restrictions.

In March, Facebook added new controls in an attempt to keep people safe from scams, misleading medical claims, medical supply shortages, inflated prices and hoarding.

In light of guidance on the need to wear face coverings by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the company has decided to permit third-party businesses to advertise non-medical face coverings again.

It comes as face coverings are set to be made compulsory for people wanting to travel on public transport in England to limit the spread of Covid-19 from June 15, while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are recommending their use.

The revision of Facebook's rules means businesses can advertise non-medical masks "including those that are homemade or handmade, in organic posts, ads and commerce listings on Facebook and Instagram", the firm said.

But medical masks, such as surgical or N95 masks, would remain banned in a bid to "prevent people from exploiting the pandemic for financial gain".

"People will now be able to promote masks that are non-medical grade, provided they are not marketed using medical, health or prevention claims," Facebook said.

Additional reporting by agencies