Facebook Extends Ban On Donald Trump’s Social Media Pages

On Wednesday, Facebook’s oversight board chose to continue the indefinite suspension of former President Donald J. Trump’s official page. 

The bans came as a result of January’s insurrection at the nation’s capital. Further contextual information about the circumstances and conditions can be found here. 

Facebook’s oversight board comprises nearly two dozen human rights specialists among other professions who provide executive verdicts in content moderation cases, should they be appealed. 

Some members include Julie Owono, Suzanne Nossel, and Afia Asantewaa Asare-Kyei.

It’s not exactly shocking to hear that the board has chosen to maintain their suspension, especially considering the significant implications that January’s events held. 

However, the board also ruled in favor of getting rid of the “indefinite” time frame currently used by Facebook and is ordering that a quantifiable time frame is for the ban’s duration to be released within the next six months. 

Per the official board report, “it was not appropriate for Facebook to impose the indeterminate and standardless penalty of indefinite suspension. Facebook’s normal penalties include removing the violating content, imposing a time-bound period of suspension, or permanently disabling the page and account.”

Facebook acknowledged the ruling, noting, “We will now consider the board’s decision and determine an action that is clear and proportionate. In the meantime, Mr. Trump’s accounts remain suspended.”

Although no ruling is being required for another six months, it would be surprising if Facebook took that much time to convene with its management teams and executives.

The former president’s response slammed big tech, noting, “Free Speech has been taken away from the President of the United States because the Radical Left Lunatics are afraid of the truth, but the truth will come out anyway, bigger and stronger than ever before. The People of our Country will not stand for it! These corrupt social media companies must pay a political price, and must never again be allowed to destroy and decimate our Electoral Process.”