Thousands of ads on Facebook and Instagram have promoted “fuel filters” using videos demonstrating how they can be easily modified into gun silencers—a process that, without federal approval, could lead to felony charges. Despite Meta’s policies banning ads for silencers on the company’s social networks, the promotions have persisted for years, driven by what appears to be a single network of more than 100 Facebook pages marketing “fuel filters” that can be easily turned into gun silencers, WIRED has found. The devices sell for as little as $50.
Silencers, also known as suppressors, are heavily regulated under United States federal law. Purchasing one legally requires submitting fingerprints, passing a background check, and paying a fee to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Federal law allows people to build their own suppressors, provided they register the device with the ATF. But the ads don’t mention this key stipulation, marketing silencers to buyers who may not understand the legal risks. …
A WIRED analysis of more than 2,800 ads revealed they are linked to a network of hundreds of ecommerce websites. These sites often reuse code, share IP addresses, and peddle the same low-quality knockoff products alongside the “fuel filters.” At least one of the sites was flagged by Google as a likely phishing scam.
Experts believe the operation is based in China and relies on a drop-shipping scheme. “It’s likely just a reshipper selling controversial or illegal products,” says Zach Edwards, a senior threat researcher at cybersecurity firm Silent Push who specializes in online data ecosystems. …
[Meta spokesperson Daniel] Roberts says that many of the ads flagged by WIRED had little to no engagement, suggesting few people ever saw this content. However, at least two ads reviewed by WIRED had thousands of comments, including accusations that it was an ATF honeypot, complaints from self-identified buyers whose products never arrived, and even testimonials from others claiming the item worked as advertised. WIRED reached out to several commenters who said they had purchased the product—none responded.
—Dhruv Mehrotra in Facebook and Instagram Ads Push Gun Silencers Disguised as Car Parts
Just say no to entrapment.
Maybe pieces of pipe anyone can fabricate from an infinite combination of materials, tools and visits to the hardware store shouldn’t be treated the way they are?
It’s more than a little ridiculous that right now millions, maybe tens of millions, perhaps hundreds of millions of tax dollars are being burned up across several agencies to tackle the international criminal metal tube market.
A metal tube with the ostensible purpose to protect ones hearing and the hearing of those around them.
Priorities, my man! Clearly it is right up there with the highest threat in our country right now… white supremacy. L.O.L. We have allowed ourselves to become what we are…
Governments big lie about suppressors… Heads Gov Wins, Tails The People Lose. Suppressors, Silencers, the Legal Limbo Arguments US v Saleem.
h ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RthCZsxlVd4
E-file Form 4 transfers are quick these days, how about E-file Form 2 to build your own from a ‘solvent trap’?