Online ads for banned handguns concern people; MP demands action after multiple reports, including a Dunblane survivor.
A constituent saw an ad for a Glock 19. It happened while they shopped online, looking for air filters. This raised serious concerns. Dr. Mick North lost his daughter in the Dunblane tragedy and helped get handguns banned. He keeps an eye on gun control; he said the ads are disturbing.
Dr. North believes the ads should stop, not wanting people buying handguns. Others also noticed more firearm ads appearing on popular sites. These ads include hybrid and 3D-printed guns, CO2-powered, and even real firearms.
Two people contacted MP Chris Kane, having both seen firearm ads online. One person, a former Dunblane Primary student, saw the ad on a video site. They described it as horrifying and for a legal handgun, wondering if it was a scam and who to report it to.
Another resident, browsing for air filters, then saw an ad for a Glock 19. The resident was shocked and upset, having seen another gun ad before. They contacted Google and await a response, feeling it was unacceptable and violated UK law.
The MP demands immediate action, wanting the handgun ads removed from Google and YouTube. One ad led to a website selling handgun parts, with the company seeming to be based in China. Mr. Kane contacted the Policing Minister, wanting an investigation.
He also wrote to Google about the ads, wanting them removed. Mr. Kane thinks this advertising is appalling and dangerous, desiring a full investigation into how the ads appeared. Tech companies need to act fast. Google told Mr. Kane they would investigate but have not responded for comment yet.