Hajra Naz
For weeks, Instagram users have raised concerns about account bans. Many believe these bans are mistakes. Users suspect AI automation may be the cause, though there’s no direct proof.
No Official Response from Meta
Meta has not responded officially. Users on Reddit and X say they were banned unfairly. They claim they did not break Instagram’s rules. Even after appealing the bans and submitting identification, many say they’ve received no response or resolution.
One Reddit user, u/Dyrovicious, wrote:
“I’ve already submitted multiple appeals, uploaded my ID, and tried reaching out to Meta through all the official channels, but I’ve been completely ignored. It feels like I’m shouting into a void.”
Meta does offer its Verified subscription service, which includes prioritized customer support, but most everyday users do not have access to this benefit.
Community Outcry and Growing Frustration
The Instagram subreddit has been overwhelmed with posts about the bans for several weeks. Over on X, users are regularly tagging Instagram in pleas to fix the issue or at least publicly acknowledge it. A Change.org petition demanding action has already collected over 4,000 signatures.
The situation has escalated to the point where some users now threaten a class-action lawsuit against Meta.
AI Moderation in the Spotlight
Automated moderation systems—used by nearly all large tech platforms—are known to occasionally result in false positives. But the scale of the current wave of bans has sparked suspicion that AI might be behind a larger-than-usual error.
Earlier this year, Pinterest faced similar mass ban issues. After weeks of complaints, Pinterest admitted to an “internal error” but denied that AI was responsible. Still, the parallels are raising eyebrows in the Instagram community.
Businesses and Livelihoods Affected
The bans aren’t just hurting personal accounts—they’re also affecting businesses and creators who rely on Instagram to make a living.
Reddit user u/Paigejust wrote:
“This is my livelihood, my full-time job. I heavily rely on Instagram for leads.”
Another user, u/CourtShaw, who owns a gym, shared:
“This ban has directly affected my business and all of the hard work and branding that I’ve spent countless hours pouring into my business, my gym, and my students.”
Serious Accusations Causing Panic
Some users say their accounts were banned for serious violations. These include false claims of child sexual exploitation (CSE). Such accusations can ruin lives and careers. The affected users strongly deny the charges. They are urgently asking Meta to review their cases.
Meta’s Silence Fuels Distrust
Meta has not responded publicly. There are no clear updates or explanations. This silence is making users lose trust. Without internal data, the scale of the issue is unclear. But the number of complaints suggests the problem is widespread.
