Meta announced on Friday the removal of restrictions on former US President Donald Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. These restrictions were initially implemented after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, during which Trump’s supporters violently stormed the US Capitol.
As Trump is now the Republican Party’s presidential nominee, Meta decided to lift the enhanced suspension penalties that had been applied to his accounts. The original suspension was put in place following the events of January 6, 2021, when it was determined that Trump had praised those involved in the violence on social media.
Trump’s social media presence was reinstated in February 2023 with the caveat of additional penalties for any future violations. However, these extra measures were removed by Meta on Friday. In their official statement, Meta emphasized the importance of political expression, stating, “We believe that the American people should be able to hear from the nominees for President on the same basis.”
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Despite the reinstatement, all US presidential candidates, including Trump, are subject to the same Community Standards as all other users on Facebook and Instagram. These policies include measures to prevent hate speech and incitement to violence.
Trump, who became the first former president to be convicted of a crime, was previously banned from Twitter and YouTube. Although these bans have been lifted, Trump primarily uses his social media platform, Truth Social, for communications.
Trump’s Facebook profile, boasting 34 million followers, now features content from Truth Social, including rally invitations and campaign videos.