Facebook is planning to change how it handles politicians and world leaders who post content that violates the social media company’s terms of service. Currently, Facebook gives politicians leeway in what they can post because what they say is considered newsworthy.
Under the new system, politicians will be treated like any other user and could see their posts removed or their accounts suspended if they promote violence or hate speech.
Facebook will still have a newsworthiness exemption, which would allow some posts to remain. Those posts would contain a disclaimer that they violated the company’s community standards.
The social media company will also be introducing a strike system. People who violate the rules will receive a notice of the strike and could be suspended or banned if they continue to ignore them.
The new policy could run afoul of a new law in Florida that prohibits social media companies from deplatforming politicians and those who are running for office.