Trump’s Ban From Facebook Is Upheld, but Panel Orders Review

Facebook was justified in banning then-President Donald Trump, the company’s independent oversight board ruled but didn’t appropriately explain if or why the former president should be permanently locked out of the social-media platform. “It is not permissible for Facebook to keep a user off the platform for an undefined period, with no criteria for when or whether the account will be restored,” the board said in its decision. “In applying a vague, standardless penalty and then referring this case to the Board to resolve, Facebook seeks to avoid its responsibilities.” The board gave Facebook six months to determine whether Trump should be permanently banned and, if so, to explain that decision more fully. The decision, which is binding, largely ratifies a choice personally approved by Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg.  Trump criticized the decision as a “total disgrace” and reiterated his complaint that the tech companies’ moves against him are an assault on free speech. “These corrupt social media companies must pay a political price, and must never again be allowed to destroy and decimate our Electoral Process,” he said.

More coverage:

Facebook’s ‘Supreme Court’ Tells Zuckerberg He’s the Decider (New York Times)

5 things to know about Trump’s Facebook ban (Washington Post)

Facebook ruling on Donald Trump ban: five key takeaways (The Guardian)

Facebook ruling on Trump renews criticism of oversight board (The Guardian)

Why Facebook's Decision On Trump Could Be 'Make Or Break' For His Political Future (NPR)

Alan Rusbridger: The inside story of how we reached the Facebook-Trump verdict (The Guardian)

British Political Veteran Steers Facebook’s Trump Decision (New York Times)