Who to Contact When Facebook Disables Your Account

Facebook can disable user accounts without warning for serious violations.

In a Harvard dorm room in 2004, Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook with the help of a few friends. By 2010, there were more than 500 million active users on the site. Facebook has a specific set of policies that these users are expected to abide by to participate in the site. When those policies are violated, Facebook can disable the user's account, essentially blocking them from accessing it again. Those who find their account disabled do have some recourse and can contact Facebook for assistance.

Facebook Overview

Facebook is a free, social networking site that allows anyone with an email address to sign up for an account, then search for and connect with "friends." Friends can be family members, colleagues, classmates, business associates and just about anyone else. Each Facebook user has a profile that he can complete, detailing information about his life such as interests, employment and relationship status. Facebook users are encouraged to use the site to post updates about their life, thoughts and links to share with their list of friends.

Deactivate vs. Delete vs. Disable

Facebook offers users the abilty to disable or temporarily turn off their account when they just want to take a break from the site for awhile. The user's profile cannot be seen by other users, but Facebook retains the information in case the user decides to activate the account again. Facebook also allows users to completely delete accounts. In this case, the entire account disappears and if the user later changes his mind, he must re-register for Facebook and re-build his profile. When an account is disabled, Facebook has determined the user has violated the site's policies and taken action to prevent the user from accessing his account.

Reasons for Disabling an Account

Facebook may or may not warn users when their account is in danger of being disabled. In some instances, the violation may be extreme enough that the account is immediately disabled. An account can be disabled if the user has provided a fake name, misrepresented himself or is found to be impersonating someone else. Facebook can also disable an account that contains inappropriate content of a violent or sexual nature, or is the user has been threatening or harassing another user or group. However, Facebook may also disable an account if it has been hacked and is being used to deliver spam or instigate fraud.

Who to Contact

When the user finds that his account has been disabled, he can contact Facebook to learn more. The user should send an email to [e-mail] using the email account that is connected to the account. Facebook will respond with more information about the account and the reason for it being disabled. The site will not allow the user to see the content in question due to security and technical reasons. If you need more help, check the Facebook Help Center FAQ (https://www.facebook.com/help/FAQ/) or the Facebook Help Center: Disable page (https://www.facebook.com/help/?FAQ=1581).

References

• Facebook: Company: Timeline
• Facebook: Help Center: Privacy: Deactivating, Deleting, and Memorializing Accounts
• Facebook: Help Center: Disabled
• Facebook: Help Center: Frequently Asked Questions