A report published by Wired revealed the widespread presence of thousands of advertisements on Facebook and Instagram promoting “fuel filter” products. These ads feature videos demonstrating how easily these filters can be modified into firearm suppressors. This practice could lead to criminal charges if conducted without a federal license.
Although Meta’s policies prohibit the promotion of firearm suppressors, these ads have been circulating for years across an extensive network of more than 100 Facebook pages. Reports indicate that fuel filters, sold for less than $50, can be easily converted into gun suppressors.
Strict Legal Regulations
Suppressors, commonly known as “silencers,” are subject to strict federal regulations in the United States. Purchasing one requires fingerprint submission, a thorough background check, and a fee paid to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Individuals are legally allowed to manufacture their own suppressors, provided they register them with the ATF. However, these legal requirements are not mentioned in the circulated ads, potentially exposing buyers to legal risks unknowingly.
In one advertisement, a man states: “You know those things that aren’t suppressors, even though they look like suppressors, but they don’t have a hole at the other end, allowing you to own them legally without going through the licensing process.” This marketing approach is designed to bypass Meta’s algorithms, often repurposing content from YouTube, sometimes without the original creators’ awareness.
One ad featured a suppressor branded with “Black Collar Arms,” a well-known firearms company. However, its owner, Jeremy Maxorelli, denied any involvement with the advertisement. He clarified that the footage used was taken from YouTube videos he had previously published and emphasized that the product shown was legally manufactured according to ATF regulations.
A Suspicious International Advertising Network
An analysis of over 2,800 ads revealed that all of them were linked to a network of hundreds of websites selling the same products, including modified fuel filters. Experts believe these operations are managed from China and operate on a dropshipping model.
Zach Edwards, a researcher at cybersecurity firm Silent Push, stated that reshipping companies play a crucial role in these promotions. They purchase products from online retailers, repackage them, and ship them to customers while exploiting social media platforms to target specific audiences.
Meta’s Stance and Its Challenges
While Meta bans ads promoting firearms and suppressors, its automated system has struggled to effectively curb these promotions. The company has removed at least 74 ad campaigns, but this number remains small compared to the overall scale of these ads across its platforms.
Meta spokesperson Daniel Roberts acknowledged that scammers continuously adapt their tactics to evade detection. He stated that the company is investing in advanced tools and technologies to identify and remove prohibited content. He also noted that while many of these ads receive little engagement, some have garnered thousands of comments—ranging from accusations that they are ATF “honeypots” to complaints from buyers who never received their products, as well as confirmations from others about the advertised products’ effectiveness.
Concerns About U.S. Military Targeting
These ads have raised concerns within the U.S. Department of Defense after a presentation revealed that “fuel filter” ads were displayed to users inside the Pentagon. Some experts have warned that Meta’s algorithms could be exploited to reach military personnel. While Meta denies evidence of direct targeting of the military, its ad tools allow advertisers to target users who list their occupation as military personnel—an audience estimated to be around 46,000 individuals.
Rising Use of Suppressors in Crimes
Suppressors were not commonly used in crimes in the past, but this trend has changed. In 2024, approximately 5 million cases were recorded in the U.S., compared to just 1.3 million in 2017.
Last month, a high-profile incident was reported where software engineer Luigi Mangione (26) allegedly used a 3D-printed handgun fitted with a suppressor to assassinate Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, on a Manhattan street.
The increasing use of suppressors in crimes poses an additional challenge for regulators and raises questions about the effectiveness of social media platforms in preventing the unlawful promotion of such products.
