Hundreds of Australians complain of wrongful social media account closures but ombudsman can’t help

The GuardianWednesday, December 3, 2025 at 11:00:57 PM
Hundreds of Australians complain of wrongful social media account closures but ombudsman can’t help
  • An increasing number of Australians, over 1,500 in the past two-and-a-half years, have lodged complaints with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman regarding wrongful social media account closures, with Google being the most frequently mentioned platform. The Ombudsman, however, lacks the authority to assist in these matters, leaving many users without recourse.
  • This situation highlights significant concerns regarding the accountability of digital platforms like Google, as users face challenges in regaining access to their accounts. The inability of the Ombudsman to intervene raises questions about consumer protection in the digital age.
  • The issue of account closures is compounded by new regulations in Australia that restrict social media access for individuals under 16, which has led to concerns about the safety of children online. As platforms like YouTube prepare to comply with these laws, the broader implications for user rights and platform responsibilities continue to unfold, reflecting ongoing debates about digital governance.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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