Meta has issued updated guidance regarding a policy established last year that allows former President Donald Trump back on Instagram and Facebook. The company has announced that it will relax its monitoring of Trump’s use of the platforms even further. Meta believes that the 2024 Republican presidential candidate, potentially Donald Trump seeking a second term, should have the same opportunity to communicate with the American public as any other nominee would.
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The updated protocol from Meta was published on its website on Friday in anticipation of upcoming party conventions where nominee announcements will take place. “Former President Trump, as the Republican Party’s nominee, will no longer face heightened suspension consequences,” Meta stated in its announcement.
Meta explained that past penalties, including the suspension of Trump from the platforms, were responses to exceptional circumstances. When Trump was readmitted to Facebook and Instagram, Meta introduced new guardrails to prevent future violations. In January 2023, Meta emphasized the importance of the public being able to access politicians’ statements to make informed decisions.
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According to Meta’s recent update, all U.S. Presidential candidates must adhere to the same Community Standards applied to all Facebook and Instagram users, including policies that prohibit hate speech and incitement to violence.
In 2021, Donald Trump appealed to the company’s oversight board to overturn his suspension from the platforms. It wasn’t until January 2023 that Meta announced its decision to reinstate Trump, more than two years after his ban.