This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
On June 26, 2020, Coca-Cola announced it would pause paid advertising on all social media platforms globally for at least 30 days.
The move comes amid growing calls for a boycott of Facebook and its subsidiaries, including Instagram and Twitter, over concerns about hate speech and misinformation.
More than 90 marketers, including Patagonia, REI, Lending Club, and The North Face, have joined the boycott, which aims to pressure Facebook to take action against hate speech and misinformation.
Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey stated, 'There is no place for racism in the world and there is no place for racism on social media.' The company will reassess its advertising policies and determine whether revisions are needed.
Unilever, another major Facebook advertiser, announced it would halt advertising on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter in the U.S. at least through December 31.
Levi's and Dockers also announced they would pause all advertising on Facebook and Instagram through at least July, citing the need for Facebook to take action against hate speech and misinformation.
Hershey's cut its spending on Facebook and Instagram by a third for the remainder of the year and joined the #stophateforprofit boycott.
Procter & Gamble is reviewing all media channels to ensure that the content and commentary accurately and respectfully all people.
