Instagram users have reported a surge in account bans and suspensions in recent weeks, many claiming their accounts were wrongly banned without violating platform policies. Several users suspect the use of AI automation may be responsible, though no direct evidence has been provided.
Meta has not issued an official statement regarding these reports.
Across social media platforms like Reddit and X, users share experiences of bans with no clear explanation or response to appeals. Many express frustration over the lack of direct support channels at Meta, leaving them uncertain about how to resolve their account issues.
“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,” wrote a Reddit user (u/Dyrovicious).
Meta does offer verified account subscriptions for creators and businesses, which include priority customer service access, but this does not appear to address the broader ban concerns.
The topic dominates discussions in Instagram-related Reddit communities and users frequently tag Instagram’s official accounts on X, demanding acknowledgment or resolution. A Change.org petition opposing the bans has gathered over 4,000 signatures. Some users have even threatened to pursue class action lawsuits against Meta.
Automated moderation systems inevitably produce false positives, but the volume of bans has raised suspicion that AI-driven enforcement could be malfunctioning. Earlier this year, Pinterest faced a similar issue with mass bans stemming from an internal error, though the company denied AI was involved.
The bans are impacting not only personal accounts but also business operations. Some users report significant disruptions to their livelihoods.
“This is my livelihood, my full-time job. I heavily rely on Instagram for leads,” wrote one user (u/Paigejust).
“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,” shared a gym owner (u/CourtShaw).
Without transparency from Meta, it remains unclear if these bans represent an increase in false positives or another issue. Disturbingly, some users report being accused falsely of severe offenses such as child sexual exploitation, which can cause lasting damage to personal reputations and careers.