Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) announced recently that they will suspend former President Donald Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts for at least two years, following the social media giant's Oversight Board's decision on Trump's suspension earlier this year.
Over the past month or so, the Facebook Oversight Board followed through with their choice of suspending Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts, after he had been accused of inciting those involved in violence at the Capitol on January 6.
Following the suspension, however, the board made a criticism about the open-ended nature of it relaying that "it was not appropriate for Facebook to impose the indeterminate and standardless penalty of indefinite suspension." The board commanded for the decision to be reviewed in a justified manner, and created a great deal of suggestions on how to improve policies and procedures.
Last week, Facebook made the decision to enforce new rules that are to be applied in such unique situations, and they are making confirmations regarding time-bound regulations to Trump's Facebook accounts. Due to the severity of Trump's actions, they are considered to be a strong violation of Facebook rules, which means that he will be severely penalized if caught again - perhaps in the strongest way possible.
This time around, his account will be suspended for two years, which will be effective from his original suspension on January 7 of this year. Toward the end of the suspension, Facebook will turn to experts to see whether the risk to public safety has diminished in any way. They will take a look at external events, including acts of violence or any other type of civil dispute.
If Facebook still makes the assessment that there is in fact potential harm being done to the safety of the public, they will cause the restriction to lengthen and then continually reassess until the risk has gone away completely. As soon as the restriction lifts, there will be continued rules and penalties to Trump's accounts, which also includes the permanent removal of them.
In enforcing these laws and rules regarding the suspension of Trump's Facebook accounts, and their particular length of time, Facebook hopes to ensure the safety and security of America. They wish to avoid any type of risk or harm that may be done to the public. Time will only tell whether Trump proves to uphold these rules or not, but for now, his banning will keep everyone at peace.