Stephen Engelberg

The federal agency that enforces the nation’s fair housing laws said it is “in discussions” with Facebook to address what it termed “serious concerns” about the social network’s advertising practices. Heather Fluit, a spokeswoman for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, said that the department was “aware of published reports that Facebook’s advertising tool may allow users to discriminate in housing advertisements.” Fluitt said Facebook’s advertising policies will be examined by HUD’s office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.