Facebook has slammed a two-year ban on Donald Trump over his role in the insurrection on Capitol Hill.
The social media giant had initially suspended the former US President indefinitely.
Trump, who had falsely claimed that he defeated President Joe Biden in last year’s election, had charged his supporters to take over the US Congress during the ratification of Biden’s victory.
In the violence that ensued, the lawmakers fled the parliament while the ratification process was delayed.
Social media companies had moved against the then outgoing president.
On Friday, Facebook said Trump deserved maximum punishment for violating the platform’s rules.
The ban will be effective from January 7, when Trump was suspended.
“Given the gravity of the circumstances that led to Mr. Trump’s suspension, we believe his actions constituted a severe violation of our rules which merit the highest penalty available under the new enforcement protocols,” Nick Clegg, Facebook’s vice president of global affairs, said in a post.
“If we determine that there is still a serious risk to public safety, we will extend the restriction for a set period of time and continue to re-evaluate until that risk has receded.”
“We know today’s decision will be criticized by many people on opposing sides of the political divide. But, our job is to make a decision in as proportionate, fair and transparent a way as possible, in keeping with the instruction given to us by the Oversight Board.”ules”.
The social media giant is also ending a policy shielding politicians from some content moderation rules.
