Trump’s Facebook Ban Holds, Texas’ Deplatform Bill Stays Strong

Facebook’s Oversight Board announced today that the company’s ban on Donald Trump’s account following the violence and riots in the nation’s Capitol was justified, “At the time of Mr. Trump’s posts, there was a clear, immediate risk of harm and his words of support for those involved in the riots legitimized their violent actions,” the Oversight Board explained. “Given the seriousness of the violations and the ongoing risk of violence, Facebook was justified in suspending Mr. Trump’s accounts.”

Nevertheless, the panel also determined that the company’s response to impose an indefinite ban was “indeterminate and standardless” and added that Facebook had six months to either restore Trump’s account, make his suspension permanent, or suspend him for a specific period of time. 

They said the penalty should be consistent with the rules that are applied to other users of the platform.

The controversial matter is one of the reasons the Texas Senate recently passed a bill regarding the capacity of social media platforms to silence or censor users.

Senate Bill 12, authored by state Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) would prohibit social media companies with at least 100 million monthly users from blocking, banning, demonetizing, or discriminating against a user based on their viewpoint or their location within Texas.

The bill awaits in the State Affairs committee right now, and if it’s confirmed it will also require social media companies to disclose their content moderation policies, publish regular reports about the content they remove, and create an appeals process for user content that has been taken down.

Additionally, it allows the Texas attorney general to sue any company that violates a provision of the bill. 

Gov. Greg Abbott announced his support for the measure back in March and stated that social media companies are leading a “dangerous movement” to “silence conservative ideas [and] religious beliefs.”

“They are controlling the flow of information — and sometimes denying the flow of information,” Abbott said. “And they are being in the position where they’re choosing which viewpoints are going to be allowed to be presented. Texas is taking a stand against big tech political censorship. We’re not going to allow it in the Lone Star State.”

RA Staff

Written by RA News staff.

Recent Posts

For their walkout, Texas Democrats get national attention — and partisan retribution at home

When Texas House Democrats returned to the Capitol after walking out over the GOP’s new…

11 hours ago

Black Bear Sightings Confirmed in East Texas, TPWD Issues Guidance

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has verified several black bear sightings across East…

2 days ago

Elon Musk Reportedly Pauses Effort to Launch Political Party

Elon Musk is stepping back from his push to form a new political party, according…

2 days ago

Here are the Republicans who might run for Texas’ newly drawn congressional seats

With Texas’ new congressional map on the verge of full passage, local elected Republican officials…

3 days ago

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Paxton aide turned foe, to run for Texas attorney general

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, announced a run for Texas attorney general Thursday, joining a…

4 days ago

Conservative Groups Fund Drive to Place Ten Commandments in Texas Schools

Starting September 1, every Texas public school classroom will be required to display a poster…

5 days ago

This website uses cookies.