Former US President Donald Trump has lashed out at Facebook after the social media company’s independent oversight board made the decision to temporarily ban him from the platform.
However, the committee also said Facebook would have to “re-evaluate” its indefinite ban on Mr Trump within six months. While upholding the suspension, the committee blamed Facebook in a statement for the way it made its decision. The commission said the continued risk of serious violence justified Facebook’s suspension at the time, but it said it was “inappropriate for Facebook to impose an ‘indefinite’ suspension”. The commission said Facebook was trying to avoid accountability by imposing “vague, standardless penalties” and then referring the case to the commission for resolution.” Michael McConnell, the co-chair of the oversight committee, said in a conference call with reporters, “Such indefinite penalties do not pass the international smell test.
In response to the committee’s decision, Mr. Trump issued a statement accusing social media companies of violating his freedom of speech.” Mr. Trump said, “What Facebook, Twitter, and Google have done is a complete disgrace and embarrassment to our country.” These corrupt social media companies must pay a political price and must not be allowed to derail our electoral process any longer.” Facebook said they would consider reviewing the proposal for an indefinite ban.
Mr. Trump’s social media accounts were suspended on 6 January after he made several posts ahead of the rebellion at the US Capitol. The decision marks the first time Facebook has blocked a sitting president, prime minister, or head of state for posts they have made.
” We love you. You’re special” he told the rioters in the first post.
In a second post, he called them “great patriots” and told them to “always remember this day.”
The board said these violated Facebook’s ban on praising or supporting people who engage in violence.
Mark Zuckerberg said in a post that “the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great“. The company later referred the case to its recently formed board of directors, which includes academics, lawyers and rights activists, to decide whether to uphold the ban or reinstate Mr Trump’s account. The binding ruling marks a major decision for the board.
