Meta is preparing to announce the decision on whether to allow the return of former United States President Donald Trump on Facebook and Instagram. He was suspended on both platforms for inciting violence soon after the US Capitol January 2021 incident.
(Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for a New Years event at his Mar-a-Lago home on December 31, 2022 in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump continues to run for a second term as the President of the United States.
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for a New Years event at his Mar-a-Lago home on December 31, 2022 in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump continues to run for a second term as the President of the United States.
Allowing Back Donald Trump on Meta Platforms
A decision from Meta is currently in the talks as they approve the return of the former United States President Donald Trump on both platforms, Facebook and Instagram. The company had previously said that a decision will be made by January 7, 2023. However, the announcement can be expected later this month.
Reuters reported that Meta set up a working group to deliberately discuss this matter, including people with knowledge of its operations, such as staffers from the public policy and communications team. The content policy teams and safety and integrity teams are also included, headed by Monika Bickert and Guy Rosen.
Aside from this, Meta said that consulting experts will also be an option for them to decide and rebuke this matter. If the ban is lifted, a strict set of quick sanctions will trigger once a new violation is committed.
Meta Global Affairs President Nick Clegg stated during a conference held by the Council for Foreign Relations that he believes that any company should tread with thoughtfulness when pertaining to political voices, regardless of their own opinions.
Deciding Factors
According to the Financial Times, the final decision will be divisive. If the company continues to ban Trump from the platforms, Republican supporters would accuse them of censoring conservative views. On the other hand, liberals will argue that allowing the former president back is irresponsible and harmful to democracy.
This will be one of the company's biggest decisions to face this year, especially Trump ramps up a 2024 White House bid.
Bipartisan Policy Center Fellow Katie Harbath said that the decision will still be a judgment call. "It's an impossible trade off and both decisions come with some tricky consequences," she added.
This development comes after Twitter's new owner Elon Musk canceled Trump's permanent ban in November. However, Trump maintained his stand on not returning to the platform as he said, "I don't see any reason for it."
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg is now focusing on products and emerging his vision to the metaverse. He previously made the final decision on moderation matters, but he could still step in as the major shareholder, chair, and CEO.
The decision was made as he described it "to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government" and "condone not condemn."
Related Article: Meta's Facebook Will Still be Banning Donald Trump After His 2024 Presidential Run Announcement
