Meta Platforms, Inc. announced on Friday that it will soon lift the restrictions placed on former President Donald Trump's Instagram and Facebook accounts. The decision marks a significant shift in policy and comes as Trump ramps up his campaign for the 2024 presidential election. The move aims to ensure equal treatment among all presidential candidates, according to the company.
Since his accounts were reinstated in January 2023, Trump's social media presence has been under stricter scrutiny than other users, including potential suspensions and advertising restrictions for policy violations. These measures were originally designed to curb the influence of public figures during periods of civil unrest. However, as Meta spokesperson confirmed, Trump's accounts were the only ones subjected to these stringent rules.
Meta's decision to relax these penalties stems from concerns that even a minor policy infraction could result in a significant suspension of Trump's accounts during the critical final months leading up to the election. For example, a minor violation such as posting an individual's address without permission could have led to a two-year suspension, effectively silencing him on these platforms during the campaign.
Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs, emphasized the company's commitment to political expression. "In assessing our responsibility to allow political expression, we believe that the American people should be able to hear from the nominees for president on the same basis," Clegg stated. He also noted that the penalties were initially imposed in response to "extreme and extraordinary circumstances" and have not been needed since.
The restrictions on Trump's accounts were put in place following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, after Trump was accused of inciting violence through his social media posts. These actions led Trump to create his own social media platform, Truth Social, which he has predominantly used for public commentary during his 2024 campaign.
Trump's accounts on other platforms have also seen changes. Twitter, now rebranded as X, reinstated his account shortly after Elon Musk acquired the platform in late 2022. However, Trump has posted on X only once since his return, adhering to a commitment to post on Truth Social first. While he has been less active on Facebook compared to previous campaigns, his team continues to run ads on the platform. Trump's Snapchat account remains banned.
Meta's decision to lift the restrictions is part of a broader trend among tech companies reassessing policies implemented during extraordinary events. For instance, both Meta and X have recently rolled back misinformation policies related to COVID-19, and YouTube has reversed its policy on election integrity to allow content that questions the 2020 presidential election.
Looking forward, Meta has indicated that any future restrictions imposed on accounts will be periodically reviewed to determine their necessity. This approach is aligned with the guidance from Meta's independent Oversight Board, which helps shape the company's policies.
Trump's return to Meta's platforms has not been without controversy. Despite adhering to community standards, his posts have continued to stir debate, often featuring campaign details and attacks on his rival, President Joe Biden. Trump's social media activity remains a focal point as he navigates his third presidential campaign, with his combined follower count on Facebook and Instagram exceeding 60 million.