[appplication]

I have an instagram account that I don’t use. No uploads, no real profile, I never like or save anything etc. I sometimes use it to log in if I need to view something that’s locked behind sign in.

Earlier this week I got a notice my account was banned for trying to circumvent meta’s rules and other bans. They said this was serious as anyone caught trying to do this would have a lifetime ban across all accounts. If unappealed it would be considered permanent and irreversible.

Well, getting locked entirely off Meta’s platform sounds like it could have annoying side effects in the future (access to Facebook, WhatsApp, whatever else they eventually acquire) so I went through the annoyance of appealing it. I had to give all the info I previously chose to not give them. Email, phone, even a photograph of my face so they could confirm identity. With that they reversed the ban within seconds.

It’s stupid how much power they hold for your online social presence and how irresponsibly they wield it.