Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube.
Michael Newberg | CNBC
YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki said on Thursday that the platform will lift the suspension on the account of former President Donald Trump once the risk of violence decreases.
Google’s video-sharing site first suspended its account on January 12, almost a week after the US Chapter uprising, as lawmakers tried to certify the victory of President Joe Biden’s election. Facebook and Twitter had previously suspended Trump’s accounts, citing the risk of further violence. YouTube said Trump’s account tried to upload a video that violated his policies, giving him a seven-day automatic suspension under his policies. He later extended this suspension.
“I want to confirm that we will lift the suspension of the canal … when we establish that the risk of violence has decreased,” Wojcicki said at an event hosted by Atlantic Council, a think tank. She said she would remain subject to the same policies as other accounts.
“Where we are today is hard for me to say when this will be, but it is quite clear that nowadays, where we are, there is an increased risk of violence,” she said.
Wojcicki said the company will analyze a variety of signals to determine if the risk has changed. These include statements and warnings from the government, increased law enforcement presence and rhetoric of YouTube monitors on its own platform.
While Wojcicki was clear that he expected YouTube to restore Trump’s account, Twitter said Trump’s suspension was permanent. Facebook said its suspension is indefinite and sent the ban to its independent supervisory board for review. Until receiving a suggestion from that council, Facebook said Trump’s suspension would remain in effect.
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