Thinking Out Loud: How Ed Sheeran Won His Battle and Changed the Game for Music Copyright!
May 6, 2023
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Social Media Ban: 7 Things to Avoid to NOT Get Banned
Following the ban of the infamous social media personality, Andrew Tate, social media platforms will likely enforce more rigorous checks on content posted online.
It is important as an influencer to remain informed on the types of content that could get you banned from social networking sites. If you are still not sure about the guidelines of social media platforms, here’s an overview of what you should avoid posting to stay out of trouble!
1. Avoid Posting Nudity
Instagram and Facebook have one thing in common: they restrict nudity. It also includes nude models and entertainers. This includes but is not limited explicit posts of nude models and entertainers and any graphic sexual content.
There are, however, some exceptions to censorship. For instance, Meta allows Instagram and Facebook users to post female breasts purely for educational purposes.
However, there have been multiple instances where awareness content was banned. Meta tends to be unpredictable in this regard, so keep that in mind when posting educational content of this nature.
On the other hand, Twitter allows its users to post nudity and other sexual content but adds a warning before your posts are published.
2. Be Careful When Posting Sensitive Subjects
When posting content that may be perceived as triggering to certain publics such as images containing graphic, sexual, domestic, or combat-based violence, social media platforms tend to impose restrictions.
It is important that you preface potentially triggering content with a warning or disclaimer, even if you intend to post it solely to raise awareness about important issues or for educational purposes. Some social media outlets censor graphic or disturbing content themselves, but it is important to add that warning yourself to cover and protect your brand.
3. Copyright Infringement
There was a time when copyright infringement on the internet was not such a big deal. However, as the popularity of social media platforms has grown over the years, companies and professional artists are keen to protect their copyright interests.
The most common form of copyright infringement committed by content creators involves posting videos that feature music that is not their own. Many influencers are not aware of copyright infringement, and as a result, over 700 million YouTube copyright strikes go undisputed each year.
As an influencer, you must ensure that any content you post on your account across all social media platforms is your own.
If you are posting content not produced by yourself or your team, ensure that you have the proper license from the creator to use their intellectual property.
4. Confusing Your Business and Personal Account
This one might be a head-scratcher, but social media platforms, especially those powered by Meta, are very particular about how you conduct your business online. If you are a brand trying to sell its products online, you cannot do so from a personal account.
For that, you will have to create a special business account. This safety mechanism is in place to protect users spam or other fictitious online activity that can be dangerous or lead to phishing. Therefore, if you are selling something without proper authorisation from social media platforms, you might get disabled.
There are exceptions to this rule, though. For instance, you can use your personal account to promote your goods and services to gain more commissions as long you do not sell the goods and services in question. So, while you can promote your business page on your account, you should ensure that these posts are measured and not incessantly to avoid getting into hot water.
5. Do Not Bully Or Harass Anyone Online
Online harassment is a big issue in this modern social media age. Most people get away with it because they have bot accounts or an extremely low online following. However, as an influencer, you do not have that same luxury.
As an influencer, your following is likely to be substantial, so if you say something hurtful or insensitive to someone, social media platforms are inclined to ban you (especially if you show a pattern of behaviour).
Just to be on the safe side, avoiding any negative interaction with other users is best, even if you feel that you are not in the wrong. The lines between bullying or harassment get easily blurred when you are involved in a virtual altercation, and considering that your online presence is a major aspect of your business, it might not be worth it in the long run.
6. Bot Accounts And Various Other Forms of Spam
If you are an active personality on Twitter or Instagram, chances are that you have heard about bot accounts. It is relatively easy to boost your following by either creating bot profiles yourself or by purchasing them elsewhere.
However, spam accounts are usually not allowed on most social media sites, and if platforms see a pattern of bot activity in your social media space, you risk being banned from certain platforms for good. Following accounts or posting content that emulates bot activity also can dispose you to being banned.
7. Stray Away From Hateful Or Misinforming Content
If the Andrew Tate debacle has taught us anything, it is that social media platforms will not shy away from banning individuals who consistently preach bigotry and violence, regardless of how popular they are.
Whether you agree with it or not, the reality is that we live in an era of heightened social and political awareness, and social media platforms have been keen on trying to keep up with this era by ensuring accounts do not preach hate speech amongst their bases against marginalised groups in our society.
It is perfectly acceptable to express your views as an influencer, as long as you do so in a considerate manner. Although, if your views can cause harm or incite violence against an individual or larger marginalised communities, then social media platforms can impose restrictions on your account, or even ban you completely.
Another thing you must be careful of, especially in a post-pandemic age, is spreading misinformation online. We have all seen the impacts of such misinformation on our society and how that has only led to more obstacles amidst the pandemic. If you spread information that has not been verified by reputable fact-checkers, then your account may get suspended, banned, or shadow-banned.
Hiring a Legal Team
Your account may get banned due to legitimate violations of a platform’s rules and regulations. However, it has been noted to be far too common for influencers to get banned from social media sites based on flaws in the platform’s regulations, a violation checking system, or simply just a misunderstanding.
While most social media violations are black or white, but it is possible to find yourself in the grey area of a particular violation.
Immerse is here to help
Immerse is here to help you with our extremely competent and knowledgeable legal team if you are ever in such a precarious situation. Immerse specialises in helping influencers and online brands with their legal requirements. So, for any legal problem you may have within the online social media space, rest assured that Immerse will not let you down. Reach out, and we will get back to you ASAP.
Mark Lazarus
I am not your typical suit and tie lawyer. As you will note from my LinkedIn Profile, I was the Legal Director of the famous energy drink brand, Monster Energy for almost 6 years (based in London), and currently an Australian and UK qualified lawyer with experience across APAC, EMEA and the US.
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