Verizon suspends advertising on Facebook and joins growing boycott

(Reuters) – Verizon Communications Inc said on Thursday it was pausing advertising on Facebook Inc. after broad support for a campaign that called on the social media giant for not doing enough to stop hate speech on its platforms.

“We are pausing our advertising until Facebook can create an acceptable solution that makes us comfortable,” said a Verizon representative.

Verizon joins a list of American companies that have stopped advertising on Facebook in support of the Stop Hate for Profit campaign, launched by various American civil rights groups, even as Facebook worked to contain the growing revolt.

Ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s and outdoor clothing companies Patagonia and The North Face are among the 10 brands that previously said they would suspend ads on social media.

Facebook said it is working with civil rights organizations.

“We respect the decision of any brand and remain focused on the important work of eliminating hate speech and providing critical voting information,” said Carolyn Everson, vice president of global business for Facebook.