In a case that sparked widespread outrage, Instagram, owned by Meta, has wrongfully banned a large number of user accounts without prior warning, accusing them of “child sexual exploitation.” It was later revealed that these decisions were the result of errors in the platform’s AI system, not actual violations by users.
What Exactly Happened?
Starting in June 2025, thousands of users around the world received notifications informing them that their accounts had been suspended due to "content that violates the platform’s policies related to child exploitation."
Despite submitting appeals, many of them faced permanent bans on Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.
Heartbreaking Human Stories
Among those affected was David from Scotland, who said he lost more than 10 years' worth of memories, photos, and conversations due to a "horrible and completely false accusation."
Many users reported feeling intense stress and emotional distress, having been treated like criminals without any evidence.
Where’s the Problem? AI is the Main Suspect
According to media reports, these bans were issued automatically by Meta’s AI-powered moderation systems, without sufficient human review.
The danger here lies in the fact that AI lacks human context, leading to harmful and unjust decisions.
Protest Campaign with 28,000 Signatures!
In response to the lack of a clear and effective appeal process, users launched a petition that gathered over 28,000 signatures by the end of June, demanding Meta to:
- Reinstate accounts that were wrongfully deleted.
- Provide direct human support for appeals.
- Review and improve their ban and AI moderation policies.
What to Do If Your Instagram Account Was Banned by Mistake?
If you’ve received a ban notice, follow these steps to try to recover your account:
1- Open the Instagram app or website and try logging in.
2- You’ll see an appeal option — click it and follow the instructions.
3- You may be asked to verify your identity or provide additional information.
If you don’t get a response, consider contacting Meta Support Center, or post about your issue on platforms like Reddit or X (formerly Twitter).
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Final Advice
Even if you strictly follow Instagram’s rules, there’s still a chance your account could be wrongfully banned.
To protect yourself:
- Always back up important photos and conversations.
- Make sure your account is linked to an updated email and phone number.
- Stay informed about Instagram’s latest policies and updates.
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