In recent weeks, supporters have been on the verge of their seats as they anticipate a final decision from Meta to announce whether to allow the return of former US President Donald Trump on Facebook and Instagram.
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: A mobile billboard, deployed by Accountable Tech, is seen outside the Meta Headquarter on January 17, 2023 in Menlo Park, California. Accountable Tech, an advocacy nonprofit, has deployed the mobile billboards as Meta considers reinstating Donald Trump’s Facebook page after a two-year suspension since the Capital insurrection. The billboards highlight Trump’s recent posts on Truth Social as a reason against reinstatement. (Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images for Accountable Tech)Kimberly White/Getty Images for Accountable Tech
(Photo : Kimberly White/Getty Images for Accountable Tech) MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: A mobile billboard, deployed by Accountable Tech, is seen outside the Meta Headquarter on January 17, 2023 in Menlo Park, California. Accountable Tech, an advocacy nonprofit, has deployed the mobile billboards as Meta considers reinstating Donald Trump’s Facebook page after a two-year suspension since the Capital insurrection. The billboards highlight Trump’s recent posts on Truth Social as a reason against reinstatement.
Trump is Back on Meta
After having an indefinite suspension for more than two years, Trump is coming back on Facebook and Instagram as Meta will be lifting the suspension for his accounts. In a statement released by the company, his accounts will receive new guardrails to prevent performing potential offenses in the future.
Meta stated that the former president would be able to access his accounts in the coming weeks. Trump's return to Meta platforms comes after his campaign to reinstate his accounts.
The company stated that the people should be able to hear from a former President and a declared candidate for the office as he prepares for the upcoming 2024 US President Elections.
Meta Top Policy Official Nick Clegg described the suspension as an extraordinary decision taken in extraordinary circumstances. He added that Trump and other public figures that will undergo future suspensions will face new guardrails that will last for at least a month.
"The Board upheld the decision but criticized the open-ended nature of the suspension and the lack of clear criteria for when and whether suspended accounts will be restored, directing us to review the matter to determine a more proportionate response," the statement added.
Based on a report from Engadget, Meta's newsworthiness policies would also apply to Trump's accounts. In case he violates the letter of the Community Standards, Meta may opt to restrict the distribution of posts.
Suspending Trump's Accounts
Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended two years ago as the company took action after praising the people engaging in violence at the Capitol last January 6, 2021. The initial suspension of a 24-hour ban became an indefinite suspension.
The Guardian reported that Trump was also banned from other platforms such as Twitter, Snapchat, and YouTube after the riots. Eventually, he got his account back on Twitter when new Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk took over the company. The original plan was to ban the former president from the platform permanently.
Meanwhile, his accounts on YouTube and Snapchat remain banned as the two companies have not shared any decision to allow his return on both platforms.
The decision of reinstating Donald Trump's accounts on Facebook and Instagram was heavily criticized by Democratic lawmakers and misinformation analysts.
The New York Times reported that this move would allow him to spread "divisive and inflammatory posts." This includes Illinois Democrat Representative Jan Schakowsky and American Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Anthony D. Romero.
