An external oversight body set up by Facebook upheld the social media platform’s decision to ban Donald Trump and said on January 6 that two of his posts had “seriously violated Facebook’s community standards.”
The board told Facebook that it had six months to review its decision, essentially as reported by CNN, and send the decision back to Mark Zuckerberg.
“However,” adds the 35-page decision of the Supervisory Board, “it was not appropriate for Facebook to impose the indefinite and standard penalty of an indefinite suspension.” Facebook’s normal penalties include removing the offending content, imposing a time-limited blocking period, or permanently deactivating the page and account. “
This essentially forces Facebook’s Zuckerberg to make a decision and keep that decision in line with its standard guidelines.
JUST IN: “The board of directors confirmed Facebook’s decision on January 7, 2021 to restrict then-President Donald Trump’s access to content posting on his Facebook page and Instagram account.”
– Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) May 5, 2021
“The board insists that Facebook review this matter to determine and justify an appropriate response that is consistent with the rules that apply to other users of its platform,” the board added. “Facebook must complete its investigation of this matter within six months of the date of this decision. The board also made policy recommendations for Facebook to develop clear, necessary, and proportionate policies that promote public safety and respect freedom of expression. “
The board also made clear the level of harm and risk Trump had inflicted.
“The Board noted that by maintaining an unfounded portrayal of electoral fraud and persistent calls to action, Mr. Trump has created an environment where there is a serious risk of violence. At the time of Mr. Trump’s post, there was a clear, imminent risk of harm and his words of support for those involved in the riots legitimized their violent actions. As President, Mr. Trump was a huge influence. The reach of his posts was great: 35 million followers on Facebook and 24 million on Instagram. “
This is breaking news and a developing story.
The Facebook Board post confirms Donald Trump’s ban – it first appeared in the New Civil Rights Movement.
Comments are closed.