Facebook Accused Again: Unlawful Discrimination Based on Race & More

Administrative charges filed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development said Facebook “unlawfully discriminates based on race, color, national origin, religion, familial status, sex and disability” by restricting who can view housing-related ads.

“Facebook is discriminating against people based upon who they are and where they live,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “Using a computer to limit a person’s housing choices can be just as discriminatory as slamming a door in someone’s face.”

Facebook charged with house discrimination https://t.co/0jfGOhIBFV

— Lisa Annese (@LisaAnnese) March 29, 2019

The HUD charges follow a complaint filed last August, stating that Facebook enabled advertisers to exclude people whom it classified as parents, non-US-born, non-Christian, interested in Hispanic culture or otherwise segmented in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

HUD also alleged Facebook enabled advertisers to exclude people based upon their neighborhood by drawing a red line around certain areas on a map, and gave advertisers the option of showing ads only to men or only to women.

HUD asked an administrative law judge to order corrective actions by Facebook as well as unspecified damages.

AFP/File JOSH EDELSON

Facebook said in a statement it was surprised by the actions because it had already been taking steps to address discrimination concerns.

The online giant said it had been in negotiations with HUD but that the federal agency “insisted on access to sensitive information — like user data — without adequate safeguards.” “We’re disappointed by today’s developments, but we’ll continue working with civil rights experts on these issues.”

A week ago, Facebook announced it was revamping how it uses targeted advertising in a settlement with activist groups alleging it discriminated in messages on jobs, housing, credit and other services.

Under those changes, housing, employment or credit ads would no longer be allowed to target by age, gender or zip code — a practice critics argued had led to discrimination.

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The modifications were announced as part of a settlement with the National Fair American Civil Liberties Union, National Fair Housing Alliance, Communication Workers of America and others.

An administrative law judge will hear the charges brought by HUD unless Facebook or another affected party asks for the case to go to federal district court, according to the department. The law judge may award fines and damages or an injunction against Fac