《Fraud Crime Prevention Regulations》, also known as the “Anti-Fraud Special Law”, was implemented on August 2 last year. Following this, Meta was fined 1 million yuan for violating the real-name system for digital advertising, and has since been involved in 23 violation cases. The Ministry of Digital Affairs has also revealed that senior executives from Meta’s U.S. headquarters will visit Taiwan in July to discuss anti-fraud issues. On the other hand, there have been numerous complaints from users on Instagram regarding “sudden account suspensions”, and many cryptocurrency KOL accounts have been “permanently suspended” by Meta on the grounds of “cryptocurrency content involving fraud”. Currently, users have formed self-help groups to assist each other, with the AI review mechanism coming under fire. At the same time, many users with engineering backgrounds are analyzing the reasons behind the account suspensions.
Cryptocurrency Viewed as Fraud by Meta, Several KOL Accounts Banned
According to reports, many cryptocurrency KOL accounts on IG have been blocked, apparently because “cryptocurrency content” falls under IG’s community guidelines as “involving fraud”, resulting in permanent account suspensions. The affected cryptocurrency figures include:
- Brain (@crypto_brain_bro)
- Grenade (@grenade.tw)
- Moxian Cat (@crypto.moc)
- DA Trader Alliance (@data_dacl)
Image source: Telegram screenshot from Laura Liu, founder of Grenade, and Zhou Ziqin, founder of DA Trader Alliance.
Users whose accounts were suspended by Meta have also formed self-help groups to discuss how to break the deadlock.
Failure to Implement Real-Name Advertising System May Lead to Fines in the Millions
According to reports, Meta’s Facebook platform was fined 1 million yuan on May 22 for violating the real-name advertising system, under the “Anti-Fraud Special Law”. At that time, the Ministry of Digital Affairs also sent a letter demanding that Meta improve within a specified period, or face “per incident penalties”. According to regulations, if online platform operators do not disclose the source of advertisements, they may be fined between 200,000 and 5 million yuan. Subsequently, the Ministry of the Interior submitted 23 violation cases related to Meta for not fully disclosing advertising information. These cases have entered administrative procedures, and the penalty results are expected to be announced this week, with Meta likely facing fines in the millions.
Meta Executives to Visit Taiwan in July to Discuss Anti-Fraud Issues
It has been reported that senior executives from Meta’s U.S. headquarters are expected to visit Taiwan in July. In addition to meeting with the Ministry of Digital Affairs, they may also have the opportunity to meet with senior officials from departments related to anti-fraud issues. In response, officials from the Ministry of Digital Affairs confirmed the news and expressed hope that Meta would prioritize anti-fraud issues. They emphasized the need for Meta’s executives to assist in improving the transparency of digital advertising and effectively control the sources of fraud on the platform to reduce the number of fraud cases in Taiwan.
Surge in Incorrect Suspensions on IG; AI Review Mechanism Under Scrutiny
In addition to the anti-fraud controversy, Meta’s social media platform Instagram has recently been involved in a wave of complaints from numerous users. Reports indicate that in recent weeks, users have complained about their accounts being suspended or locked without reason, with many pointing their fingers at IG’s AI automatic review mechanism. However, some users have stated that after downloading a third-party application, “IG Follower”, to check if a romantic interest had visited their profile, their account was subsequently “permanently suspended” by the official platform, leading to varied interpretations.
Given the rapid development of AI models, many tech companies rely on AI for content review. However, the frequent occurrence of mass account suspensions has led many to question whether the review mechanism itself has issues. Some users have even reported that appeals have been ineffective, feeling as though they were “talking to air”.
Analysis of the Reasons Behind Account Suspensions by Users with Engineering Backgrounds
Users with engineering backgrounds have analyzed the reasons based on past experiences:
- There may be cases of mass reporting from users, resulting in a wave of account suspensions. It is estimated that the algorithms and reporting mechanisms have been modified.
- There are now too many AI accounts, farm accounts, fake accounts, and paid accounts that mimic real users more closely and can achieve complete equipment isolation, making it increasingly difficult to catch fake accounts. Therefore, Meta prefers to “permanently deactivate” accounts rather than simply “temporarily suspend” them through SMS verification as in the past. Real users would find ways to appeal.
- There are issues with IP environments; FB or IG may have “blacklisted” IPs. When certain segments of IPs log into accounts in large numbers, they are easily flagged as “suspicious behavior.” However, Taiwanese IPs are dynamic, and if you happen to get a “flagged” IP assigned by your telecom provider, your account could be locked.
Recommendations to Avoid Sensitive Vocabulary Related to Investments
Based on the statements from users regarding “cryptocurrency content involving fraud”, the author provides the following recommendations for preventive and responsive measures:
- Avoid using high-risk keywords: such as investment returns, doubling, profits, free giveaways, wallet addresses, etc., which AI might determine as fraud triggers.
- Add content disclaimers: Clearly state that it is not investment advice and is for informational purposes only.
- Reduce the proportion of inducement links: Avoid frequently directing users to click on external links, especially short URLs or those leading to exchanges or wallet sites.
Risk Warning
Investing in cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, and prices may fluctuate dramatically. You may lose your entire principal. Please carefully assess the risks.