Facebook and Instagram are unfairly shadow-banning gun safety instructors, and it's not just him.

A decade ago, when Bryan Mumford launched his concealed carry training business, he acquired clients through traditional methods such as visiting businesses and trade shows, shaking hands and distributing cards.

When Mumford posted class openings on Facebook and Instagram, the PDX Arsenal gained significant online popularity. This was largely due to community Facebook groups in Oregon, especially those with a public safety focus, directing a huge amount of traffic to his page.

He stated that our social media posts received between 150 to 200 comments and 300 likes, resulting in substantial revenue for the company.

Recently, Meta's strict policy on firearm-related content has made those platforms unproductive for Mumford, who receives single-digit likes for his posts.

He stated, "We're essentially starting over."

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and other social media apps, has strict rules regarding "restricted goods and services" such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, and weapons. According to Meta's guidelines, content that attempts to buy, sell, or trade firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, or lethal enhancements is not allowed, except when posted by a page representing legitimate brick-and-mortar entities.

Mumford teaches firearm safety classes and helps students apply for concealed handgun licenses, but his posts featuring guns are frequently flagged as violating the policy and his accounts' visibility are restricted.

""Despite my appeals, the content is still being flagged without any relation to transfer or sale," he stated, feeling like his efforts are being ignored."

Meta did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's questions about the restrictions.

Clampdown confusing even for ‘legitimate brick-and-mortar’ stores

Private gun sales on Facebook and Instagram were once popular, but the social media giant banned them in 2016 due to pressure from activists, government agencies, and then-President Barack Obama.

Although Meta's guidelines allow for more freedom of expression for brick-and-mortar businesses, many physical gun stores continue to have a presence on Meta platforms.

Though North Idaho Arms owner Bryan Zielinski stated that it's not that straightforward.

"The rules are constantly evolving and a bit confusing," he said to Planet Chronicle Digital. "It's not allowed to post anything that could be interpreted as a sales offer."

Zielinski stated that he must ensure that no price tags or anything else indicating a sale are visible in the background when posting pictures of guns in his store. He also advised avoiding using words like "in stock" or "available now" in the captions.

The appeals process is virtually nonexistent, said he, as Meta's algorithm is strong.

Zielinski stated that he has only one strike remaining before his account is shut down. Although he has backup pages prepared, he emphasized that the consequences would still be catastrophic - the loss of all contacts, information, and photos in a matter of seconds.

"Zielinski stated that Meta has done a great job in recent years of revealing their true nature, as they are not in favor of free speech and instead censor any information that makes them uncomfortable."

In the summer, the social media giant faced criticism for "shadow-banning" Olympic and Paralympic athletes who participate in shooting sports.

Geer, a Team USA Paralympic shooter, shared photos of her air rifle on Instagram before the Paris Games. However, her account was restricted by Meta, which hindered her ability to interact with fans and attract potential sponsors, she wrote in an August post.

In early September, a letter was sent by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, requesting more details regarding the "de-platforming" of Geer and other athletes.

"Blackburn stated that the censorship appears to be aimed specifically at shooting sports, despite the fact that many athletes in this sport use their platforms to promote firearm safety and responsible gun ownership. Furthermore, shooting is one of the few sports that brings athletes together regardless of age and ability. Blackburn believes that this censorship is an attempt by Meta to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility while infringing on the athletes' right to free expression."

A spokesperson for Blackburn informed Planet Chronicle Digital that they have not yet received a response, despite the Sept. 17 deadline.

Despite the targeting of Mumford's firearm safety business and Zielinski's legitimate gun store, shadowy sellers are still selling firearms and illegal accessories on Meta platforms, according to a report from the Tech Transparency Project. Their ads are getting through Meta's walls.

The report states that the company made money from hundreds of ads for guns and accessories that went against its own guidelines.

In late October, Mumford shared with his followers that the "insane level of censorship" on Meta platforms was driving him to X, where he discovered "a lot more freedom."

He's returning to the field, engaging with businesses and acquiring new clients, just as he used to.