Why This Facebook Boycott is Unique

Good morning,

It’s a list that keeps on growing: REI, Patagonia, Eddie Bauer, Arc’teryx, Upwork, Magnolia Pictures, Ben & Jerry’s, Eileen Fisher.

As the campaign #StopHateforProfit gathers momentum on social media, an increasing number of brands appear to be heeding its call to stop advertising on Facebook next month. The initiative, led by civil rights groups, seeks to pressure Facebook into curbing hate speech and misinformation on the platform.

Facebook has had its fair share of scandals, but in the past, media buyers have said that the platform is too important to leave.

Now, things are changing, seemingly after Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg refused to take down President Trump’s tweet about “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.” It’s the same message Twitter flagged. But Facebook’s response (or lack thereof) has spiraled into the largest, public advertiser boycott in the company’s history.

My colleague Scott Nover does a great job explaining why this Facebook boycott is different. He also wrote a good recap on how we got here.

Have you seen any brands promising to stop advertising on Facebook? I would love to hear your thoughts on the boycotts. As always, you can reach me at [email protected].

Please consider supporting our journalism with an Adweek Pro Subscription and gain full access to all of Adweek's essential coverage and resources.

It's being hit by a smattering of lawsuits taking aim at its ad stack.

From Best Media Planning/Attribution to Best Customer Data Platform, which finalist will be crowned? Vote Today!

Social issues, elections, politics must now be categorized at the campaign level.

Data shows brand affiliation during the Covid-19 pandemic varied by generation.

They announced new ways marketers can use the platform.