Algorithm Accusations Mount as Meta Bans Cripple Young Entrepreneurs
A growing wave of users is alleging arbitrary account suspensions by Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, with potentially devastating consequences for those who rely on the platforms for their livelihoods. The cases highlight a disturbing trend: the power of algorithms to act as judge, jury, and executioner, with little to no recourse for those impacted.
The essential role of social media in the professional lives of young people is a stark contrast to the experiences of older generations, who traditionally relied on websites and contact books. For many, an Instagram profile is not merely a social tool, but a vital source of income and professional identity.
One such case involves RM, a 21-year-old entrepreneur in London who built two successful businesses – in clothing design and music events – almost entirely through Instagram. Just six days before a planned electronic dance event for which he had already sold 1,500 tickets, both his personal and business accounts were deleted without warning or explanation.
“For my generation, an Instagram profile can be not only a sole source of income but an identity, and the severance of mine has been difficult to recover from,” RM stated. He estimates the sudden ban has cost him thousands of pounds in lost sales, a particularly devastating blow given his background as a member of an inner-city, single-parent household.
Meta informed RM that his content violated its community guidelines regarding violence and incitement. However, the company refused to specify which content triggered the ban, citing “confidentiality.” Furthermore, RM has been unable to retrieve his contact information – representing his entire professional and social network – and his IP addresses have been banned, preventing him from creating new accounts.
A mentor following RM’s work has not identified any overtly violent content, noting only the presence of toy weapons in a single promotional video. The situation raises serious questions about the accuracy and fairness of Meta’s automated content moderation systems.
The ambiguity surrounding the ban is not unique to RM. He reports that fellow students have experienced similar account closures for unspecified rule violations. This has fueled concerns about a pattern of algorithmic overreach and a lack of transparency from Meta.
The nature of RM’s work, centered around a “cyberpunk rave scene,” may have inadvertently triggered the algorithm. The music genre often features lyrical themes of drugs, sex, and violence, which could be flagged by automated systems. However, without specific details from Meta, it remains impossible to determine the exact cause of the ban.
Meta maintains that it has a duty to remove harmful content and can choose its customers. However, critics argue that its current approach – acting as both judge and executioner without due process – is deeply problematic. The company declined to comment on the record, but a press officer confirmed that the accounts will not be reinstated and RM’s contacts will not be returned. There is no avenue for appeal.
RM is exploring his options, including a subject access request to Meta to understand what information the company holds about him. If Meta refuses to comply, he can file a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office. In the meantime, he has purchased a new laptop to begin rebuilding his online presence.
This case is unfolding alongside broader accusations of mass bans by algorithm on Facebook and Instagram. A petition on Change.org demanding human intervention in account moderation decisions has already garnered over 25,000 signatures.
The issues extend beyond Instagram. EM, a resident of West Sussex, experienced a digital lockout from her Facebook account after a hacker gained access and altered her account details. Facebook’s automated system, she claims, provided instructions for regaining access through the hacker’s email address. After setting up a new account, it was also permanently closed, leaving her with no way to contact the company for assistance. “It makes it impossible to get hold of anyone to speak to, by email, chat or phone,” she said. While EM ultimately found a silver lining in disconnecting from Facebook, her experience underscores the difficulties users face when navigating Meta’s automated systems.
Meta did not respond to requests for comment regarding either case.
These incidents serve as a stark warning: in the digital age, relying solely on social media platforms for professional and personal connections carries significant risk. Backing up contacts and diversifying online presence are no longer optional, but essential safeguards against the unpredictable power of the algorithm.
