TBH they couldn't have before. I mean, sure, they could have, but backlash would've been out of hand (partially from users but also from government pressure). Now that they see a window they can get away with it, they're gonna use it to set a precedent so they can show they can end anyone's political career if they want to, because that's a hell of a way to ensure they get money and favors from politicians in the future.