The technology company indicates that the ban after the assault on the Capitol was made in “extreme and very unusual circumstances”
The company Meta affirmed this Wednesday that it will restore in the coming weeks the accounts of former US President Donald Trump on his profiles on the social networks Facebook and Instagram, banned for two years “in extreme and very unusual circumstances”. The technological multinational made this announcement after the Republican politician’s campaign formally requested Meta to unlock his account, which has been banned as a result of the assault on the United States Capitol by hundreds of his supporters on January 6, 2021.
“The suspension was an extraordinary decision made in extraordinary circumstances. The normal state of affairs is that the public should be able to hear a former president of the United States, and a declared candidate for that office again, on our platforms,” say those responsible for Meta.
Meta’s President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg later indicated that they have assessed the risk to public safety of whether or not to persist with that controversial measure, noting that they are aware that “any decision” the company makes “will be harshly criticized.”
“As a general rule, you don’t want to get in the way of open debate on the platforms, especially in the context of democratic elections. People should be able to hear what politicians are saying (good, bad and ugly) to make informed decisions at the polls,” Clegg explained.
“Free flow of ideas”
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 executive points out that “like any other user (…), Trump is subject to community standards.” “In light of his violations – the note continues – he now also faces higher penalties for recidivism, penalties that will also apply to other public figures whose accounts are restored after suspensions related to civil disturbances according to our updated protocol » .
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