Facebook plans to end special treatment for politicians

Facebook plans to end a contentious policy championed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg that exempted politicians from certain moderation rules on its site, according to several news reports.

Facebook also plans to reveal the system of strikes it gives accounts for breaking its content rules. That will include letting users know when they've received a strike for violating its rules that could lead to suspension," the report said.

The social network also plans to reveal the system of strikes it gives accounts for breaking its content rules.That will include letting users know when they've received a strike for violating its rules that could lead to suspension, the report said.

Last month, the independent Oversight Board upheld Facebook's decision on January 7 to suspend then US President Donald Trump from its main platform and Instagram. A source said, the board gave Facebook time till June 5 to respond to its policy recommendations, saying that instead of applying one of its established account-level penalties for severe violations, Facebook devised an "indefinite" suspension which is not included in their content policies.

"This arbitrary penalty gave Facebook total discretion over whether to lift or maintain the suspension, with no criteria that can be scrutinised by users or external observers," the Board observed.

"The Board rejects Facebook's request for it to endorse indefinite suspension, which gives the company total discretion over when to lift or impose and isn't supported by their content policies," said Hughes. "Anyone concerned about the power of Facebook should be concerned with the company making decisions outside of its own rules."