Facebook and Instagram has announced it will delete posts offering to sell or purchase guns without background checks, according to a statement made by the social media website.
In an attempt to stop what gun control advocates claim "is the increasing use of the social networks to circumvent checks and controls on firearms sales," according to Reuters, the two sites will also ban users under 18 from being able to view gun offers posted by anyone.
"We will not permit people to post offers to sell regulated items that indicate a willingness to evade or help others evade the law," Facebook said, according to Reuters.
The decision will only add fuel to the already controversial debate over gun laws in the U.S.
Due to the increase of shootings that have taken place over the last two years or so the U.S., there have been a number of questions about the vulnerability of public locations like schools and shopping centers and schools.
Gun advocates have called for tougher gun control laws, like universal background checks and limitations on the amount of ammunition that people are allowed to purchase.
States like Connecticut and New York have already started passing new laws, and others are considering doing so within the year.
The National Rifle Association, which is the leading gun rights lobby in the U.S., feels that tougher restrictions would "unfairly limit the rights of responsible gun owners," according to Reuters.
"Our campaign exposed how simple it is for dangerous people to get their hands on guns, no questions asked - not only on Facebook and Instagram - but across the Internet," Mayors Against Illegal Guns Chairman John Feinblatt said in a joint statement with Moms Demand Action.
"Unfortunately, the 'private sale loophole' allows anonymous parties to sell guns without background checks, and there are simply too many ways for criminals, minors and other prohibited gun purchasers to get them easily, with just the click of a mouse," Feinblatt added.
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