Facebook has allegedly been pushing 'gay cure' advertisements to young members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
A report by the Telegraph found that the social media giant exposed users to the ad, which promotes "sexual purity", through a "micro-targeting algorithm".
One user, Tessa Ann Schwarz, told the Telegraph: “I don’t know why Facebook has permitted this group to target LGBT people, who have intentionally sought out community and education amongst peers, for shaming and hatred masked as love.”
One of the ads (Facebook) Source: Facebook
Schwarz had reportedly been targeted with a video titled “Homosexuality Was My Identity” and promptly reported it.
"It was written in a way to try to appeal to people who may be depressed or self loathing due to their sexuality," Ryder said.
"I think it’s pretty irresponsible for Facebook to allow an advert that preys on gay men with mental health issues in such a negative way on their homepage.”
Users who clicked on the “Why am I seeing this ad?” option were told that it was due to their interest in “gender issues”.
Facebook removed the ads following the Telegraph's investigation, citing a "flaw" in their algorithm.
There were similar complaints made early last year, following a string of advertisements from religious organisation Anchored North which threatened LGBTIQ+ users with an “eternity in hell”. This time at least one of the ads appears to originate from Westbow Press, a self-publishing company which specialises in "books with Christian morals".
