Monday, March 8, 2021

Trump's social media accounts suspended.

The world was shocked in January of this year by scene of a mob attacking the US Capital Building. Five people lost their lives as a result of Trump supporters trying to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden as the President Elect. Since then, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms have taken the steps to block or remove Donald Trump's accounts.

Facebook has put an indefinite ban on the former US President's accout, and Twitter has permanently suspended him. Mr. Trump stands accused of posting comments to incite violence, both in the lead up to, and after the mob riots. The platforms expressed concerns that there was a risk of futher instigation of violence by him.

The world has witnessed in recent years the power of social media to sway public opinion. Companies that run these services have implemented measures such as codes of conduct to protect their users. However, they are relatively powerless to stop hate speech, bullying and incitement in many situations. Too often, their responses are too little, too late.

Defining what is in the public interest is rarely, if ever, clear cut. There are concerns over protecting the freedom of speech, because social media platforms are used to share information and or important discussions on pressing social issues. This of course includes political discussion and debate.