Facebook's Oversight Board will be reviewing, at Facebook's referral, the decision to indefinitely suspend former US President Donald Trump's from Facebook and Instagram. Trump's accounts were suspended on January 7 after he incited his supporters to attack the US Capitol while lawmakers were officiating the transfer of power to Joe Biden. The company is publicly standing by its decision, explaining that Trump was suspended amid "extraordinary circumstances" and an "unprecedented set of events which called for unprecedented action". "The reaction to our decision shows the delicate balance private companies are being asked to strike," the company said. While people in "open democracies" have a right to hear what their politicians are saying, but they are still subject to the company's policies, Facebook's VP of Global Affairs Nick Clegg said. Whether you believe the decision was justified or not, many people are understandably uncomfortable with the idea that tech companies have the power to ban elected leaders. Many argue private companies like Facebook shouldn’t be making these big decisions on their own. We agree. — Nick Clegg, Facebook's VP of Global Affairs Facebook has requested policy recommendations from the Board on suspensions when the user is a political leader, the Board said. The company will have to consider any policy recommendation the board makes, and publicly respond to them. Meanwhile, Facebook "has committed" not to restoring Trump's access until the board arrives at a decision. Trump will be able to make his own statement to the board explaining why his access should…
