(Photo : Meta)

• Meta extends its ban on new political ads amidst the heated US presidential election.
• The ban applies to ads about social issues, elections, or politics, but ads that ran before October 29, 2024, can continue.
• The 2024 US election is fiercely contested, with key states like Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan playing a crucial role.
• The election has seen a significant focus on social issues, with voters in 41 states considering a total of 159 ballot initiatives.

As the US presidential election heats up, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has made a significant move. The social media giant has announced an extension on its ban on new political ads, a restriction that was originally set to end on Tuesday. However, the ban will now continue even after the US presidential election on November 5, extending until later this week. This decision comes amidst a fiercely contested US election campaign, which will see either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris become president.

The restriction period applies to ads about social issues, elections, or politics. However, ads that have run prior to 12:01 AM PT on October 29, 2024, and served at least one impression will be allowed to continue while the restriction period is in effect, albeit with limited editing capabilities. The company has not specified the exact day it will lift the restriction.

This policy was first announced in August, stating that any political ads that ran at least once before October 29 would still be allowed to run on Meta's services in the final week before Election Day. The rationale behind this restriction period remains the same as previous years. Meta recognizes that in the final days of an election, there may not be enough time to contest new claims made in ads.

Key States and the Presidential Race

The US election has been a hotbed of activity, with voters across 50 states casting their ballots after a bitterly contested campaign. A handful of states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, are expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the 2024 US election. These states are considered the keys to the White House.

The 2024 presidential race initially seemed destined for a rematch between President Joe Biden and Mr. Trump. However, a disastrous TV debate by Mr. Biden eventually forced him off the ticket. The Democratic Party's decision to replace Mr. Biden with his vice president transformed the race, with shifting polls in Ms. Harris' favor. However, many polls are so close to call that the margin of error makes it impossible to predict the outcome of the election.

In response to the rampant spread of misinformation during the previous presidential election, tech firms are maintaining heightened scrutiny this year. Nearly $1 billion has been spent on political ads over the last week, with the bulk of the money spent on down-ballot races throughout the U.S., according to data from advertising analytics firm AdImpact.

Final Push and Social Issues

In the final push before the election, both candidates have been making their presence felt in these crucial states. Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance held a rally in New Hampshire, expressing hope to flip the state, which President Joe Biden won in 2020. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the war in Gaza at a campaign rally in East Lansing, Michigan.

The election has also seen a significant focus on social issues, with voters in 41 states considering a total of 159 ballot initiatives. Ten states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Florida, have abortion-related measures on the ballot. Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota are considering whether to legalize marijuana.

The 2024 US presidential election has been a rollercoaster ride, with the outcome hanging in the balance. The extension of the ban on new political ads by Meta is a significant development, reflecting the heightened scrutiny and tension surrounding this election. As the world watches, the final result will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, not just for the US but for the entire world. The world awaits the lifting of the restriction period, as the US gears up for the final stages of this critical election.