Glossary of Meta ban and appeal terms

The words in Meta's notices, in plain English.

Account Status

The Instagram/Facebook settings page listing removed content, restrictions and the rules cited.

Accounts Center

Meta's hub linking Instagram, Facebook and Threads. A decision on one linked account can affect the others.

Account integrity

A policy area about fake, duplicate or misleading accounts and activity.

Authentic identity

Facebook's rule that profiles use the name you go by in everyday life.

Business Support Home

Where admins see and appeal ad account, Page and portfolio decisions.

Checkpoint

A Facebook security lock that asks you to confirm identity before continuing.

Disabled

The account is off and hidden; you may be offered a review when you log in.

DSA

The EU Digital Services Act, which gives EU users out-of-court dispute rights.

Meta Verified

A paid subscription with a verified badge and access to live support.

ODS body

An out-of-court dispute settlement body certified under the DSA, such as Appeals Centre Europe.

Permanently disabled

Meta's internal review is complete and closed in the app.

Restricted

Some features (ads, messaging, live) are limited while the account stays up.

Strike

A recorded violation; strikes add up toward restrictions.

Suspended

A temporary block with a set window to disagree before it becomes permanent.

Video selfie

A short face video used to confirm you own the account.

For a deeper comparison of two of these, UnbanPro explains suspended vs disabled and how strikes work.

Statement of reasons

Under DSA Article 17, the explanation an EU user is owed: the facts, the rule and whether automation was used.

Subject access request

A GDPR Article 15 request for a copy of your personal data. Meta has one month to answer.

Human intervention

Your GDPR Article 22 right to have a person review a decision made solely by automated means.

Small claims

A simplified court process for low-value claims, available in many countries.