This is how those affected react correctly to the suspension
“Your account has been temporarily suspended. We have detected suspicious activity on your Facebook account and have suspended it for security reasons.” Facebook reacts sensitively to alleged violations of the terms of use: before you know it, your Facebook account is deactivated and you can either no longer log in at all or no longer use individual functions (e.g. sending Messenger messages). The block can last up to 30 days.
What is an inconvenience at best for private individuals can mean serious losses for companies that use Facebook as an advertising channel.
This article shows the reasons for the suspension, what those affected can do to remove the Facebook block and what legal options are available.
The most common reasons: why is a Facebook account suspended?
If a Facebook account is deactivated, this often has to do with violations of the social media service’s terms of use.
Typical examples of posted content:
- Instigation of serious acts of violence
- Representation of violence against people
- Propagating crimes
- Attempted fraud (e.g. gambling fraud, romance fraud, pyramid schemes)
- hate speech
- Representations of violence
- Spreading false reports
- Xenophobic statements
Regardless of the content posted, there are other behaviors that can lead to Facebook suspension:
- Unusual login behavior (e.g. login from multiple devices at the same time)
- Hacker attacks and data theft
- Distribution of spam
- Usage of a false name or identity
- Harassment of other users through advertising
- Excessive use of certain functions (e.g. sending identical Messenger messages to a large number of contacts)
How to restore a suspended Facebook account
Only restricted Facebook functions often work again by themselves after a few days. If a Facebook account is deactivated, the suspension can last up to 30 days. If time is not running out, the account holder can simply wait – if it is not a serious violation as defined by the terms of use, the account will then be unblocked.
To lift the Facebook suspension, those affected can use the Facebook objection form. They can object to the suspension of their account and upload evidence or justification if necessary. If the block is based on the suspicion that a false identity is being used, account holders can upload a photo of their identity card. It takes a few days for Facebook to check the submitted documents and information.
Did your Facebook account get suspended? Give us a call. We will gladly advise you on your legal options.
The legal basis: why is Facebook allowed to suspend an account?
Point 3.2 of Facebook’s terms of use states: terms of service
„If you breach these provisions, we may, without prejudice of our termination right under Section 4.2, restrict your use of certain features of Facebook including, without limitation, creating content, such as posting, commenting, using Facebook Live or creating a Facebook Page for a limited period of time.“
The legal basis for a suspended Facebook account is therefore the company’s own terms of use, which every user must accept when registering on the social media platform. Facebook therefore has the domiciliary right and can decide when a breach of the concluded user agreement has occurred.
Nevertheless, the company cannot simply do as it likes. The Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court ruled in a judgment dated February 4, 2022 (file reference 10 U 17/20) that blocking a Facebook account is only permissible in exceptional cases without prior warning. The Saarlouis Regional Court already ruled in 2020 that groundless account blocking is not permitted, even if this possibility is provided for in the guidelines (judgment of April 1, 2020, file reference 25 C 1233/19).
Unblocking Facebook: taking legal action?
Those affected can also take legal action against an unjustified suspension if the objection has not been successful. With the help of a lawyer, they can request the platform to unblock Facebook by setting a deadline. If the media company is still not willing to suspend the Facebook block, there is the possibility of a temporary injunction. However, the account holder can only apply for an injunction within one month of becoming aware of the account blocking.
If the deadline has already passed, there is still the option of taking legal action. Those affected can base this on their fundamental right to freedom of expression under Article 5 of the German Basic Law.
How WBS.LEGAL can help you
Has your Facebook account been deactivated and you are unable to unblock it? We offer an international straightforward out-of-court service that will help you to get your account cleared with legal vigour. You can easily apply by filling out the form to take advantage of our free initial assessment or book our service immediately. With pleasure we will support you in taking legal action to have your Facebook account unblocked – no matter if you are from Germany or any other country in the world.
In summary
Those who want to lift a Facebook suspension are often faced with a major problem. This is because the operator of the social media platform is far from understanding when the person concerned sees their right to freedom of expression threatened. With legal assistance, they can enforce their rights and achieve the suspension of the Facebook block.
Very briefly
We can also help with other account blockings. For example Instagram-Account, Amazon-Account, Paypal-Account, Twitch-Account, YouTube-Account.