Facebook Decides the Fate of Former Pres. Trump’s Account: American University Experts Available
WHAT: The Facebook Oversight Board announced its decision on the future of former President Trump’s Facebook account this morning. Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended a day after the Capitol riot on January 6th, with YouTube and Twitter taking similar actions. They are upholding their decision.
The controversial decision on Trump’s Facebook account is not being handled by Facebook itself. The company’s oversight board is an independent body that has deliberated and made the decision.
American University’s School of Communication has various experts who can comment on how this decision can set important precedents for content moderation on social media, what happens now that he’s banned and what does this mean for other world leaders and their use of social media.
WHEN: May 5, 2021 – ongoing
WHERE: Via Skype, Zoom, email, or telephone
WHO: American University has the following experts in social media, misinformation, social media & politics, and content moderation available:
Jason Mollica is a professorial lecturer in the School of Communication, is a former radio and television anchor/reporter/producer. Prof. Mollica is available to comment and discuss topics related to media and politics, especially campaign messaging and how they are viewed and examined through social and digital media. He can also comment on political debates, current issues, and how it impacts the history of U.S. politics.
Saif Shahin is an assistant professor in the School of Communication. His research focuses on critical data studies, social media studies, and global media and politics, and is underpinned by a normative commitment to social justice. He also teaches classes on media, technology and democracy and digital media and culture. He can comment on the impacts of digital media and misinformation.
Aram Sinnreich is a professor and chair of the Communication Studies division at American University’s School of Communication. His work focuses on the intersection of culture, law, and technology, with an emphasis on subjects such as emerging media and music. His latest research explores lexical patterns can serve as lie detectors to supplement fact checkers on social media. He is the author of three books: Mashed Up (2010), The Piracy Crusade (2013), and The Essential Guide to Intellectual Property (2019). He can comment on social media and its role in spreading misinformation.
Scott Talan is an assistant professor in the School of Communication. He is an expert in social media and personal branding honed through communications experience in four distinct fields: TV News, Politics, Nonprofits/NGO’s and Higher Education. He is available to comment on social media, how politicians use social media and media and politics.
CONTACT: Sandra L. Rodriguez, AU Communications, at 202-486-7956 or via e-mail at SandraR@american.edu
