This week, concerns were raised that Donald Trump’s return to Facebok might encourage others to react in the same way. He could also use the information to spread misinformation or to attack others.

Meta, however, announced this week that they will restore the accounts of former President Trump on Facebook and Instagram. Trump had been banned from the platform following the insurrection on January 6th, 2021, and later referred that decision to the Oversight Board – an “expert body” the social network established to be an independent check and balance of its decision-making.

The board upheld the decision, but criticised the vague nature of suspension and the absence of specific criteria about when accounts may be restored.

The suspension was an exceptional decision made in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Facebook stated in an official statement that “the normal state of affairs would be that the public should have the opportunity to hear from a former president of the United States of America, as well as a candidate for that office again on our platforms.”

Like any other Facebook and Instagram user, Donald Trump must adhere to the Community Standards. In light of his violations, he now also faces heightened penalties for repeat offenses — penalties which will apply to other public figures whose accounts are reinstated from suspensions related to civil unrest under our updated protocol. “Facebook added that Mr. Trump will be banned from posting any further violations and will also be subject to a suspension of one month to two years depending on severity.”

Former president celebrated the lift of ban by posting to his Truth Social platform: “Facebook has lost billions of dollars since you ‘deplatformed’ me. They have just announced my reinstatement. “This should never happen to an incumbent president.

Do you have legitimate concerns?

Trump’s presidential campaign officially petitioned Facebook earlier in the month to be allowed back onto the platform, asserting that the ban had hindered public discourse.

Some people have voiced concern about the decision, suggesting that the ban should not have been lifted.

David Jacobson from the Cox School of Business at SMU, warned that “the concerns being expressed” are valid. He was reading social media posts posted by Russian fronts in the names of supposed Americans when the first Trump social media began. These topics were intended to weaken our nation’s trust in its social systems and democratic institutions as a whole.

As a response to events on January 6, 2021 the Facebook ban was implemented to show that anyone, and especially someone who has the power to inspire a crowd, is subject to rules.

It’s not hard to see why the social media companies are resisting censoring former president,” explained

Colin Campbell is an associate professor of Marketing at University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business. He also serves as editor-in chief …read more

Source:: Social Media Explorer

Author: Aaron