Instagram users across the globe, including many in India, are raising concerns after a surge in sudden account suspensions and bans on many of which they claim are unwarranted. The platform, owned by Meta, is being widely criticised for what users say is a lack of communication and transparency around the issue.
Over the past few weeks, numerous individuals have taken to online forums and social media platforms to share their frustration. Many report that their accounts were deactivated despite not violating any of Instagram’s community guidelines or terms of service. Even after submitting appeals and identity verification, they claim to have received no response from Meta’s support team.
“I’ve submitted multiple appeals and even provided ID proof, but I’ve been completely ignored,” shared one frustrated user online. Many others echoed similar experiences, pointing to the absence of any direct support or escalation path for non-verified users.
Growing Discontent and Possible Legal Action
The situation has prompted widespread backlash, with hashtags and online petitions demanding that Meta take accountability. Some users are even exploring legal options, including the possibility of a class-action lawsuit, citing not only reputational damage but also financial losses in some cases.
For creators, freelancers, and small business owners, the bans are particularly damaging. Several users report losing access to business pages and marketing platforms critical to their income. One user, who runs a fitness centre, said, “This ban has affected years of work building my brand, my gym, and my community.”
Suspicions Around AI Moderation
While Meta has not issued any formal statement on the issue, users suspect that automated moderation systems, possibly powered by AI, may be behind the spike in false bans. Large platforms often use automated tools to monitor content, which can sometimes misidentify violations. However, the scale and impact of these recent bans are drawing increased attention.
This isn’t the first time a major social media platform has faced backlash over bulk suspensions. Earlier this year, another global platform had to apologise after mistakenly banning several accounts due to an internal error although the company denied AI involvement.
Some affected Instagram users have shared that their accounts were wrongly flagged for extremely serious violations, such as child safety concerns—allegations that could have lasting consequences on careers and personal reputations.
Verified Users Get Better Support
It’s worth noting that Instagram offers premium verification services for creators and brands, which come with priority access to customer support. Regular users, however, appear to have fewer avenues to resolve such issues.
For now, there is no official update from Meta regarding the bans or whether any changes are being made to its review systems. As the outcry continues, users are hoping for greater accountability and a transparent resolution process.
