Facebook, Considering Permanent Suspension of Trump's Account... "Restoration May Trigger Backlash"

Published 08 Feb.2021 14:38(KST)

Advisory Measures... No Enforcement but Mostly Complied
"Account Restoration, the Worst-Case Scenario for Facebook"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The decision on whether to permanently suspend former U.S. President Donald Trump's Facebook account is imminent. If former President Trump is permanently suspended on Facebook following Twitter, he will bear the dishonor of being a political leader blocked by major social networking services (SNS).

On the 7th (local time), political media outlet The Hill reported this, stating, "There are voices suggesting backlash if the account is restored."

Earlier, Facebook announced on the 6th of last month that it would suspend former President Trump's account for at least two weeks for inciting violence following the Washington DC Capitol riot. On the 21st of the same month, Facebook referred the decision of permanent suspension to its Oversight Board for review. The Oversight Board, established last fall, consists of 20 external experts in fields such as human rights and freedom of expression to advise and recommend on Facebook's policies.

When referring the matter to the Oversight Board, Facebook requested "opinions or recommendations on the suspension of a political leader's account." The Hill analyzed, "The decision made this time could influence policies regarding accounts of major global leaders in the future."

Even if the Oversight Board decides to permanently suspend Trump's account in this review, the measure is only advisory and not binding. However, Facebook has mostly complied with the Oversight Board's recommendations so far. One member of the Oversight Board said, "I am confident Facebook will implement the Board's decision," adding, "The likelihood of implementation depends on the quality and validity of the recommendation."

Jessica Gonzalez, head of the civic group Free Press, raised her voice, saying, "It is cowardly not to permanently suspend Trump's account yet and to pass the decision to the Oversight Board." She added, "The posts Facebook asked the Board to review were only one or two related to the Capitol riot," and said, "The Oversight Board will merely act as Facebook's rubber stamp."

Scott Talan, assistant professor of communication at American University, emphasized, "If the suspension decision on Trump's account is overturned, it will be the worst-case scenario for CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook," adding, "Zuckerberg's shield, the Oversight Board, will soon collapse."

Earlier, on the 8th of last month, Twitter permanently suspended former President Trump's account.