Facebook's Oversight Board to decide on Donald Trump's ban
Facebook has asked its independent experts to make a decision on the continuation of its ban on former US President Donald Trump. Facebook and its photo and video-sharing social networking service, Instagram, suspended Trump after his supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6 that left five people dead, and led to his second impeachment. Facebook and Instagram's decision has driven intense global interest.
What is Oversight Board and what else will it do?
The Oversight Board, an independent body created by Facebook three years ago, on Thursday said it has accepted a case referral from the social media giant to examine its decision to indefinitely suspend Trump's access to post content on Facebook and Instagram. Facebook has also requested policy recommendations from the Board on suspensions when the user is a political leader.
Facebook not to restore access unless the Board directs
The Board has been closely following events in the US and Facebook's response to them and is ready to provide a thorough and independent assessment of Facebook's decision. Facebook has committed not to restore access to its platforms unless directed by a decision of the Oversight Board. Facebook must also consider any accompanying policy recommendations from the Board and publicly respond to them.
The Board's press release on this matter
"A decision by the Board on this case will be binding on Facebook, and determine whether Mr. Trump's suspension from access to Facebook and Instagram for an indefinite amount of time is overturned," the Board said in a press release.
How is the Oversight Board going to make the decision?
According to the Oversight Board, in the coming days, the case will be assigned to a five-member case review panel. After the panel reaches a decision, its findings will be shared with the entire Board. Sign-off by a majority of the Board is required for a case decision to be issued.
Facebook, Instagram and others that imposed a ban on Trump
However, these are not the only social networking services to have banned Trump. Following the riots, Twitter announced a permanent ban on Trump's account, and Snapchat, too, disabled his account. Pinterest started limiting hashtags related to pro-Trump topics, and TikTok which was previously banned by Trump started removing content as well. Restrictions were also imposed on accounts affiliated with pro-Trump violence.
