The tech company says the ban came about in “extreme and very unusual circumstances” after the attack on the Capitol.
The Meta company confirmed this Wednesday that it will restore accounts of former US President Donald Trump on his profiles on the social networks Facebook and Instagram in the coming weeks, which have been banned for two years “in extreme and very unusual circumstances”. The technology multinational made the announcement after Republican politician Meta’s campaign formally requested that his account be unlocked, which had been banned by hundreds of his supporters on January 6, 2021 following the attack on the United States Capitol.
“The suspension was an extraordinary decision, made under extraordinary circumstances. The normal course of action is that the public should be able to hear a former president of the United States, and a re-declared candidate for that office, on our platforms,” said those responsible. from meta.
Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, later indicated that they have assessed the risk to public safety of whether or not to proceed with that controversial measure, noting that they are aware that “any decision” which the company takes “will be harshly criticized”.
“In general, you don’t want to stand in the way of an open debate on the platforms, certainly not in the context of democratic elections. People need to be able to hear what politicians are saying (good, bad and ugly) in order to make informed decisions at the polls,” explains Clegg.
According to the company statement, “social media is founded on the belief that open debate and the free flow of ideas are important values, especially at a time when they are under threat in many parts of the world.”
However, this Meta manager points out that “Trump, like any other user (…), is subject to community standards.” “In light of his offenses – the note continues – he now also faces higher penalties for recidivism, penalties that will also apply to other public figures whose accounts will be reinstated following civil unrest-related suspensions under our updated protocol.
Source: La Verdad
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
