Instagram Users Allege Mass Account Suspensions And Attribute The Issue To AI Moderation

For several weeks, Instagram users have voiced frustration over a surge in seemingly unjustified account suspensions and bans. While there’s no confirmed explanation, many believe AI moderation tools might be responsible.

Meta has not provided an official comment when approached.

User Complaints Mount Over Unexplained Instagram Bans and Ignored Appeals

Posts on platforms like Reddit and X indicate a rising number of users say their accounts were disabled despite not violating Instagram’s guidelines. Several users also report that their appeals for reinstatement have gone unanswered.

Many expressed concern over the lack of direct communication with Meta’s support team, leaving them unsure of how to proceed.

“I’ve filed multiple appeals, sent in my ID, and tried every official channel, but I’ve been completely ignored. It feels like shouting into the void,” wrote one Reddit user, u/Dyrovicious, after their personal account was banned.

(It’s worth noting that Meta offers a Verified subscription for creators and businesses, which includes priority customer support.)

Online Outcry Grows as Instagram Users Rally Against Ongoing Account Bans

For several weeks, users in the Instagram subreddit have filled the most popular posts with discussions about the ongoing wave of account bans. Over on X, frustrated users are filling Instagram’s replies with demands for action or at least a public acknowledgment of the issue. Meanwhile, a Change.org petition calling attention to the bans has gathered more than 4,000 signatures.

Tensions have escalated to the point where some users are now considering a class action lawsuit against Meta in response to the widespread bans.

While false positives are an expected drawback of automated moderation systems, which can occasionally misidentify violations, the current volume of bans has drawn heightened attention. Many suspect that AI systems might be playing a role in the surge.

Earlier this year, Pinterest users reported that the platform wrongly banned them despite their compliance with its rules. That incident also led to threats of legal action. In May, Pinterest acknowledged the bans were the result of an “internal error,” though the company did not specify the exact cause and maintained that AI moderation was not to blame.

Mass Bans Disrupt Businesses as Users Say Livelihoods Are at Stake

In Instagram’s case, the bans have impacted more than just personal accounts—sweeping up businesses as well and threatening people’s livelihoods.

“This is my livelihood—my full-time job. I depend on Instagram to generate leads,” wrote one Reddit user (u/Paigejust) following their suspension.

Another user, a gym owner (u/CourtShaw), expressed similar frustration: “This ban has had a direct impact on my business and undermines all the time, effort, and branding I’ve invested in my gym and my students.”

Without access to Meta’s internal data, it’s difficult to determine whether the spike in bans reflects a genuine increase in false positives. So far, Meta has not issued any public acknowledgment of the situation.

Some affected users also claim that Instagram banned them over grave accusations—such as child sexual exploitation (CSE)—even though they did nothing wrong. These users say the false allegations are deeply damaging, with serious implications for their careers and reputations.

Read the original article on: TechCrunch

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