In a sweeping effort to cleanse its platform, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has eliminated over 10 million accounts in 2025, targeting what it calls “spammy content” to foster a more authentic user experience. The company disclosed in a recent blog post that it deletes more than a million accounts monthly, aiming to curb repetitive, unoriginal posts that clog feeds and overshadow genuine creators.

However, the aggressive purge, dubbed the “Meta ban wave,” has ensnared numerous legitimate users, triggering widespread frustration. Many have taken to platforms like Reddit to voice their dismay, with some reporting severe personal and professional fallout. One user on the MetaLawsuits forum described the emotional toll, noting that their business connections and a vital autism support network for their son were disrupted. “It’s heartbreaking and feels inhumane,” they wrote, blaming flawed AI algorithms for mislabeling authentic accounts as spam.

The crackdown extends beyond Facebook, affecting Instagram, also owned by Meta, as users report similar issues with account deletions. Meta has stated that affected users receive an email notification and have 180 days to appeal suspensions before permanent deletion. The Independent has sought further comment from Meta regarding these complaints.

This purge aligns with broader industry efforts to clean up digital platforms. In 2023, Google initiated a similar sweep, targeting inactive Gmail, Photos, and Drive accounts. Meta’s approach echoes past proposals by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who in 2022 floated a controversial idea to reset all user connections on Facebook to boost engagement—a plan ultimately rejected by executives.

As Meta strives to enhance platform quality, the unintended consequences of its AI-driven purge highlight the delicate balance between automation and human oversight, leaving many users feeling disconnected and unheard.