HP joins social media advertising exodus, with Microsoft reportedly following suit

Pressure builds on Facebook to tackle hate speech across its platforms

HP has joined the mass exodus from social media advertising, adding to a long list of global brands.

The PC and printer vendor said it would be stopping all advertising on Facebook in the US, as pressure mounts on the firm to tackle hate speech on its platforms.

In a statement HP said: "HP is a purpose-driven brand and we expect all platforms on which we advertise to uphold responsible policies that prevent our ads from appearing alongside objectionable content, regardless of the source.

"We have expressed deep concerns to Facebook and are stopping US advertising on the platform until we see more robust safeguards in place. We are also reviewing our social media strategy across all markets and platforms, and we will take additional actions as needed to protect our brand and combat hateful content."

Meanwhile Microsoft has suspended all advertising on Facebook and Instagram, Bloomberg reported citing people familiar with the matter.

The news agency said that Microsoft paused all US advertising in May and has now extended this globally.

Other companies taking part in the boycott include the likes of Starbucks, Ford and Coca-Cola.

The website of the Stop Hate for Profit organisation lists dozens of global brands that have pledged to pause advertising with Facebook.

Facebook's share price has fallen 10 per cent over the last week.

In a widely reported statement the social media giant said: "We invest billions of dollars each year to keep our community safe and continuously work with outside experts to review and update our policies.

"We've opened ourselves up to a civil rights audit, and we have banned 250 white supremacist organisations from Facebook and Instagram.

"The investments we have made in AI mean that we find nearly 90 percent of hate speech we action before users report it to us, while a recent EU report found Facebook assessed more hate speech reports in 24 hours than Twitter and YouTube."