Associated media – Connected media
Meta is set to alter certain restrictions previously imposed on the Facebook and Instagram profiles of Donald Trump, the former President of the United States.
Initially, in response to his comments praising the actions of those involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, Meta indefinitely suspended Trump’s social media accounts. However, in early 2023, these platforms reinstated his accounts with a promise to closely monitor for any further infractions that could lead to additional suspensions lasting from one month up to two years.
As Trump actively campaigns against current U.S. President Joe Biden, aiming for a return to the presidency, Meta has decided to relax the enhanced scrutiny previously applied to his accounts. The company expressed in a recent blog update that it is important for U.S. citizens to have the opportunity to interact with presidential candidates on a fair and equal platform.
This decision comes amid ongoing debates among social media experts and the public regarding the efficacy and fairness of political content moderation on platforms such as Meta. Critics argue that there has been insufficient regulation of political figures’ communications on these major platforms.
Furthermore, Trump’s presence on other social media platforms has also been contentious. After being banned from Twitter, now rebranded as X, in 2021, his account was reinstated by the new owner, billionaire Elon Musk, in 2022. Despite this, Trump has been notably restrained, having posted only once since his reinstatement.
Linked media – Associated media
