Facebook to Put 'Trump Account Permanent Suspension' on Oversight Board Agenda

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Facebook, the world's largest social networking service (SNS), has decided to submit the issue of whether to permanently suspend former President Donald Trump's account to its highest decision-making body, the Oversight Board.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 21st (local time), Facebook announced through a blog post that it would refer the decision to permanently suspend former President Trump's account to the Oversight Board.

The Oversight Board was established at the suggestion of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg after Facebook faced criticism for allowing Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. It functions as a kind of "social media supreme court," capable of overturning Facebook's content removal decisions by making independent and binding rulings. The Oversight Board consists of about 20 external experts from various fields such as human rights and freedom of expression.

Earlier this month, Facebook indefinitely suspended former President Trump's account, citing that he incited violence following the Capitol riot by far-right groups and Trump supporters.

Regarding this, Nick Clegg, Facebook's Global Affairs Head, stated on the 6th that "this was a necessary and right action."

The Oversight Board will form a panel of five members to review for up to 90 days whether the posts related to the riot previously posted by former President Trump violated Facebook's content policies and values.

WSJ reported that the Board will also assess whether Facebook's decision to remove posts met international human rights standards.

During this period, former President Trump can submit a statement to the panel explaining why he believes the suspension of his Facebook account should be lifted. The general public can also express their opinions.

Once the Oversight Board makes a decision, no one at Facebook, including CEO Zuckerberg, can overturn it.

Facebook has decided to keep former President Trump's account suspended until the Oversight Board's decision is made.

WSJ noted that the issue of permanently suspending former President Trump's account will be the biggest case the Oversight Board, launched last year, has dealt with so far.

Former President Trump's Facebook account has about 35 million followers, and his Instagram account has nearly 25 million followers.

Former President Trump is facing a second impeachment trial in the Senate on charges of inciting insurrection.