News / Politics

Facebook to announce decision on Trump account in 6 months

Thursday, 06 May 2021 2:01 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 06 May 2021 2:01 AM ]

Facebook’s oversight board has suspended the social network’s ban of former US President Donald Trump, stressing that the company should make a final decision in six months.

The panel, which consists of journalists, activists and lawyers, barred an imminent return of Donald Trump to the platform on Wednesday, reiterating that Facebook should make a decision in six months regarding what to do with his account.

“It was not appropriate for Facebook to impose the indeterminate and standardless penalty of indefinite suspension,” the oversight board said in a statement.

“The board insists that Facebook review this matter to determine and justify a proportionate response that is consistent with the rules that are applied to other users of its platform,” it added.

Facebook suspended Trump's account following the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol, which left at least five people dead, including a Capitol police officer.

Twitter and YouTube followed the suit, citing further risk of violence and incitement by the Republican president.

The unprecedented decision was later referred to the Facebook Oversight Board, an independent body vested with power to reverse Facebook content decisions and set precedent for the company.

“We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great,” Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said at the time. "Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete".

Facebook also warned its employees to avoid wearing or carrying company-branded clothing and other items in public following the company’s suspension of Trump's social media account.

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