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IN THE NEWS: FACEBOOK BANNING ADS ON FALSE CLAIMS ON VIRUS
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Facebook is trying to make sure false claims about products tied to the international virus — don’t go viral. The social network says it is banning ads that feature products that imply they are in short supply or ads that create a “sense of urgency” about the virus. The site will also bar ads that tout guarantees of a cure or prevention of coronavirus. For example, ads for face masks that claim they are 100% guaranteed to prevent the spread of the virus won’t be allowed. The ban goes into effect as the World Health Organization reports the number of new cases outside China exceeds the number of new cases inside the country for the first time. COVID-19 is now in at least 39 countries.
IN THE NEWS: MICROSOFT HURTING BECAUSE OF VIRUS
UNDATED (AP) — The virus outbreak in China is affecting Microsoft’s fiscal health. The company now says it won’t be able to meet targets that had already been adjusted to factor-in the uncertainty over the coronavirus. Microsoft says its revenue from Windows licenses and its Surface devices are being affected more than first thought. While Microsoft says demand for its products remains strong, its supply chains are taking longer to get back up to speed. Many businesses in China, where most high-tech gear is produced, were shut down at the height of the spread of coronavirus — and are just now getting back up to speed.
ON THE WEB: BLOOMBERG FLOODING ONLINE CHANNELS
CYBERSPACE (AP) — Some political campaigns try to win by putting an army of boots on the ground to make headway with voters. But so far, Mike Bloomberg’s main strategy is getting pixels in front of eyeballs. And that’s testing the ability of online platforms to keep up. The billionaire has far outspent his rivals on nearly every online platform. He has used his vast stockpile of cash, swarms of employees and paid social media influencers to get his message out online. So far, he has spent $55 million on Facebook and Instagram ads, $9 million in the past week alone.
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by Oscar Wells Gabriel II
Follow Oscar Wells Gabriel II on Twitter at https://twitter.com/OWGabriel2
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