Meta to lift ban on Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts

With the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaching, Meta said Friday that it will lift any penalties and restrictions previously imposed on former President Donald Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts. The company first took action against Trump's social media accounts in 2021, shortly after the riots in Washington, D.C. on January 6. At the time, Meta believed that some of Trump's actions posed a potential risk of inciting violence, so it suspended his account for two years. In January 2023, Meta said it would restore Trump's status on its platform, and he regained access to his account the following month. But Trump is still subject to remaining penalties and restrictions, which could result in a long-term ban on his social media accounts. According to Meta's latest statement, if Trump violates the company's community guidelines, he will face a shorter ban penalty that may only last a few days. Nick Clegg, president of Meta global affairs, wrote in a blog post on Friday that the initial suspension and penalties "were in response to extreme and extraordinary circumstances, and no action is necessary at this time." A Meta spokesperson described the update as "simply comparing Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, to President Biden." (CNBC)