Meta Faces Backlash for Erroneous Instagram Bans
Users worldwide report wrongful suspensions on Instagram, accusing Meta’s AI of unfairly enforcing child safety rules, sparking confusion and distress.
Instagram users have expressed confusion and anger after Meta suspended their accounts, often mislabeling them for violating child protection policies.
For months, tens of thousands have complained about wrongful bans on Instagram and Facebook, alleging they never breached any rules.
Over 500 people contacted INLIBER News saying they lost sentimental photos and saw their businesses disrupted. Many fear legal consequences or police involvement.
Meta acknowledged Facebook Group ban errors in June but denies wider issues on its platforms. It declines to comment on individual cases, yet often restores accounts when INLIBER queries arise.
Reliable Shop Owner Loses Her Platform
Yassmine Boussihmed, 26, from the Netherlands, spent five years building her boutique dress shop’s Instagram presence. In April, Meta banned her account over “integrity” issues, erasing over 5,000 followers and costing her clients.
After INLIBER contacted Meta, her shop account was reinstated—but her personal profile was suspended again minutes later.
Wrongful Abuse Accusations
“Lucia,” 21, from Austin, Texas, faced a two-week ban for alleged child sexual exploitation violations. Meta offered no specifics, leaving her to guess if a bikini photo triggered its AI.
As an aspiring juvenile justice attorney, she was appalled by the baseless accusation. After INLIBER’s inquiry, her account was restored within hours.
Community Support Severed
Duncan Edmonstone, 55, from Cheshire, relies on private Facebook groups for support while battling stage four lung cancer. A 12-day ban in June cut him off from vital advice, though Meta later reinstated his access.
Repeated Suspensions and Stress
“Ryan,” a former London teacher, was banned for child exploitation policy breaches in May, reinstated in July, then banned again after INLIBER’s intervention. His Facebook account returned after two days, but Instagram remains blocked, leaving him isolated and fearful of legal repercussions.
Meta’s Response
Meta has not directly addressed these user complaints. In July, it reported removing 635,000 accounts for sexualized content involving minors and updated its child protection policy three times since December. The company did not clarify how these changes affect the disputed bans.
Users say Meta’s heavy reliance on AI moderation is causing wrongful bans, disrupting businesses, communities and personal lives.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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