Guides & insights
Practical guides on account recovery, content removal, verification and reputation — written from the cases we work every day.
Latest guideOctober 25, 2026 · 5 min read
EU law
Appeals Centre Europe and other DSA dispute bodies: how to challenge a ban or removal in the EU
Banned or removed on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube? Take it to Appeals Centre Europe: who can apply, what it reviews, 90-day decisions and no user fee.
Read the guideWhen Appeals Centre Europe could see the content, it disagreed with the platform 59% of the time — so make sure it can see yours.
Instagram17 guides
- Threads account restricted, removed or deleted: what to do and how it links to Instagram3 min readThreads post removed, profile restricted or Instagram disabled? Check Account Status, ask for a review, and how deactivating or deleting Threads affects Instagram.
- Deactivate or delete Instagram: what happens, how long you have, and how to undo it3 min readDeactivate or delete Instagram? What each does, the 30-day window to cancel a deletion, the username catch, and how both differ from a disabled account.
- Instagram not sending your security code: causes and fixes that work3 min readNo Instagram login or security code arriving? The usual causes, the quick checks, and how to get in with a backup code, an authenticator app or a login link.
- Mass reporting: can a group get your Instagram or TikTok account banned?3 min readIs a group mass reporting your account? How reports are reviewed, why the number alone doesn’t remove content, and what to do if it worked anyway.
- Instagram removed your post for copyright: how to appeal, counter-notify or resolve it3 min readPost or reel removed for copyright? Read the notice, choose between an appeal and a DMCA counter-notice, avoid repeat strikes and report copies of your work.
- “You’re not old enough to use Instagram”: how to appeal an age decision3 min readInstagram removed or locked your account as under 13? How the appeal with ID works, the 14- and 30-day timelines, the Yoti video selfie and what parents can’t do.
- Someone has your brand’s Instagram username: trademark reports, claims and impersonation3 min readYour brand name taken on Instagram? When a trademark report works, how the username claim option works, inactive usernames, and impersonation instead.
- Deleted Instagram account: can it be recovered?3 min readDeleted your Instagram, or someone else did? The deletion window, cancelling by logging in, deactivated vs deleted vs disabled, and what can’t be undone.
- Instagram “Try again later”: why actions get blocked and how to fix it3 min readCan’t like, follow, comment or send messages on Instagram? Why the “Try again later” block appears, how long it lasts, what lifts it and when it is a sign of a hack.
- How to recover an Instagram account without email or phone number4 min readLost the email and phone on your Instagram account? The routes that still work — Facebook login, “Need more help?”, video selfie — and when Instagram can’t help.
- How to contact Instagram and Meta support in 2026 (what actually works)3 min readNo public phone line exists for Instagram support. The channels that actually reach Meta — in-app reports, forms, Meta Verified, business chat — and scams to avoid.
- Instagram video selfie verification not working? How to pass it3 min readInstagram asking for a video selfie, or rejecting it? Why it is requested, how to record one that passes, what happens to the video and what to do when it fails.
- Fake Instagram account impersonating you: how to get it removed3 min readA fake Instagram account using your name or photos? How to report impersonation in the app or by form, the evidence that works and what to do if it returns.
- Instagram Account Status explained: restrictions, recommendations and how to fix them3 min readWhat Instagram Account Status shows — removed content, recommendation eligibility, feature limits and monetization — what each warning means and how to fix it.
- My Instagram account was disabled: what to do in 20264 min readInstagram account disabled or suspended? The appeal window, a step-by-step appeal, what to do after a rejection and the mistakes that ruin recovery.
- What is a shadow ban? How to detect and remove it3 min readShadow ban explained: how to test whether Instagram or TikTok is limiting your reach, what Account Status shows, the usual causes and the steps that lift it.
- How to get the blue tick: Instagram verification in 20263 min readInstagram verification in 2026: Meta Verified vs. the original notability badge, the requirements, how to apply, why requests get rejected and what works.
Facebook & WhatsApp19 guides
Facebook & WhatsApp
- Does Meta Verified help recover a hacked or locked account? What the support really includes3 min readWhat Meta Verified support offers for hacked or locked Facebook and Instagram accounts: chat, email and phone by plan, its limits, and the free routes to try first.
- Fake Facebook profile pretending to be you: how to report it and get it removed3 min readA Facebook profile pretending to be you? How to report it in the app, the impostor form when you can’t log in, the ID Facebook asks for and who is allowed to report.
- Meta’s 24/7 support hub and AI support assistant: how to get help with Facebook and Instagram3 min readMeta’s support hub and AI support assistant for Facebook and Instagram: where to find them, what they can do for a hacked or locked account, and their limits.
- Facebook Page restricted or taken down: find the reason and use the right appeal3 min readFacebook Page limited or removed? Find which rule was applied and the right appeal — Page review, monetization, ads or the Oversight Board — and avoid repeats.
- Deactivate or delete Facebook: what happens, Messenger, and how to undo it3 min readDeactivate or delete Facebook? What each does, Messenger, the 30-day window to cancel a deletion, what stays visible — and how both differ from a disabled account.
- Lost or stolen phone: how to protect your WhatsApp account and get your chats back3 min readPhone lost or stolen? Lock the SIM, re-register your number or ask WhatsApp to deactivate the account, what happens in the next 30 days and how to restore chats.
- Facebook asks you to confirm your identity: what to send and how to get through it3 min readFacebook wants your ID? Why it asks, which documents it accepts, how to upload safely, what happens to your ID afterwards — and the fake “verify” pages to avoid.
- WhatsApp verification code not received: how to get it — and when not to3 min readWhatsApp’s 6-digit code not arriving? Let the timer finish, use “Call me”, check the number format, avoid guessing — and spot when a code request is a takeover.
- How to recover a Facebook account without the email or phone number3 min readLost the email and phone on your Facebook account? Use facebook.com/login/identify, “No longer have access to these?”, ID checks and trusted contacts — step by step.
- “Hi Mum, this is my new number”: how the WhatsApp family scam works and how to stop it3 min readA “child” or friend on a new number asking for money? How the Hi Mum scam works, the one-call check that stops it, and what to do if you have already paid.
- Facebook account locked: how to unlock it safely3 min read“Your account has been locked”? Why Facebook locks accounts, how to unlock with the steps at login, what to do when codes don’t arrive, and lock versus suspension.
- Lost access to Meta Business Manager: how to get your business portfolio and Page back3 min readLocked out of your business portfolio, or your Page sits in a Business Manager you can’t reach? Hacks, removed admins, former agencies and Page release requests.
- Facebook Marketplace restricted: how to get your access back3 min readMarketplace access at risk, limited or suspended? What triggers it, how to request a review in Profile status, the 180-day limit and when a warning can be removed.
- Facebook Page hacked: how to recover your business Page and remove the intruders3 min readLost admin access to your Facebook Page? Secure your own profile, use the Page recovery form, remove unknown admins and payment methods, then lock it down.
- WhatsApp hacked: how to get your account back and lock it down3 min readSomeone took over your WhatsApp? Re-register with the SMS code, deal with a two-step PIN you don’t know, log out linked devices and warn your contacts.
- Facebook ad account disabled: how to request a review and get advertising again3 min readAd account disabled or restricted on Meta? Find what was restricted, request a review in Business Support Home and avoid moves that make it permanent.
- WhatsApp account banned: how to request a review and get your number back3 min read“This phone number can’t use WhatsApp”? Why numbers get banned, how the in-app review works, temporary bans for unofficial apps and what to do if a ban is final.
- Facebook account hacked: how to recover it, even if the email was changed3 min readFacebook hacked, email or password changed? Reverse the change from Facebook’s email, use facebook.com/hacked, confirm your identity and lock the account down.
- Facebook account disabled: recovery guide for personal and business accounts3 min readFacebook account disabled or suspended? Appeal deadlines, ID verification, locked Business Manager assets and how to escalate, in one practical guide.
TikTok, YouTube & X10 guides
TikTok, YouTube & X
- Twitch suspension: how long it lasts, when it expires and how to appeal3 min readSuspended on Twitch? How long suspensions last, when violations expire (90 days to 2 years), how to appeal in the Appeals Portal and when to seek reinstatement.
- YouTube monetization suspended: how to appeal a Partner Program decision3 min readRemoved from the YouTube Partner Program for reused or inauthentic content? The 21-day appeal, the video appeal rules, 14-day decisions and reapplying after 90 days.
- TikTok video “not eligible for the For You feed”: what it means and how to fix it3 min readTikTok views dropped or a video is “ineligible for the For You feed”? What TikTok’s FYF standards cover, how to check Account status and strikes, and how to appeal.
- How to recover a TikTok account without the email or phone number3 min readLost access to the email and phone on your TikTok? Reset from a trusted device, use “Recover account”, and the “Need more help?” form — what each route needs.
- YouTube copyright strike: how to remove it and protect your channel3 min readGot a YouTube copyright strike? Three ways to resolve it: wait 90 days with Copyright School, get a retraction or file a counter notification.
- Fake TikTok account pretending to be you: how to report it and get it removed3 min readSomeone on TikTok pretending to be you or your brand? Report it in the app or with TikTok’s impersonation form, with the evidence that works.
- X (Twitter) account suspended or locked: what it means and how to appeal3 min readX account suspended, locked or limited? What each notice means, how to unlock with phone or email checks, how to file an appeal and what to do if it is permanent.
- YouTube channel hacked: how to get it back and undo the damage3 min readYouTube channel hacked, renamed and streaming crypto scams? Recover the Google account, use YouTube Studio’s cleanup tool, deal with strikes and secure every user.
- How to recover a banned TikTok account: step-by-step appeal guide3 min readTikTok account banned? The official in-app appeal, what to write, permanent ban vs. temporary restriction, response times and what to do after a rejection.
- YouTube channel terminated: how the appeal actually works3 min readYouTube channel terminated? Strikes vs. termination, how to write the one appeal that counts, copyright terminations, timelines and what happens to videos.
Hacked accounts & security54 guides
Hacked accounts & security
- Fake parcel delivery text: how to spot it, where to report it in Europe, and what to do if you clicked or paid4 min readA text says your parcel is on hold and asks for a small fee? How to spot the fake, where to report it in the UK and the EU, and what to do if you paid.
- Scams on Vinted, Kleinanzeigen, Leboncoin, Wallapop and Subito: the fake “payment received” link, and how to buy and sell safely4 min readA buyer sends a link to “receive your payment”? It’s a scam. The common tricks on Vinted, Kleinanzeigen, Leboncoin and Wallapop, and what to do if you fell for one.
- Paid a scammer by bank transfer in the EU or UK: recalling the money, Verification of Payee and your refund rights5 min readSent money to a scammer by transfer or instant payment? What to do in the first hour, when EU banks must refund, the new IBAN name check (VoP) and UK reimbursement.
- Fake online shops: how to check a shop before you pay, and how to get your money back in Europe4 min readOrdered from a shop that never delivered? How to spot a fake shop with free checkers, what to do for each way you paid, and where to report it in Europe.
- Phone lost or stolen: what to do in the first hour to protect your accounts, money and messages5 min readLock it with Find My or Find Hub, suspend the line, then secure your email, bank and WhatsApp from another device. The order that matters, from Apple and Google.
- Is my phone hacked? The signs of spyware and stalkerware, how to check, and what to do safely4 min readBattery drain, data spikes or someone knowing your private messages can mean spyware. How to check iPhone and Android, when it’s the account, and staying safe.
- Romance scams and “pig butchering” crypto scams: the warning signs, and what to do if you have already sent money4 min readAn online partner you’ve never met asks for money or pushes a crypto “investment”? FTC and FBI warning signs, how to check a profile, what to do if you paid.
- Fake job and “task” scams on WhatsApp and Telegram: how they work, the warning signs and what to do if you paid4 min readPaid to like videos, then asked to deposit crypto to unlock your earnings? That’s a task scam. How it works, FTC figures, red flags and what to do if you paid.
- Changing or losing your phone number: update your accounts first — or a stranger may receive your codes4 min readA new number can lock you out, and your old one goes to someone else. What to update first: email, Apple, Google, WhatsApp, bank and social media.
- Snapchat account hacked: the signs, how to get back in, and how to lock out the hacker for good4 min readLogin alerts, a changed number or Snaps you didn’t send? Reset your password, end unknown sessions and turn on two-factor authentication, as Snapchat advises.
- LinkedIn account hacked: how to get it back, lock out the intruder and clean up what they did3 min readLocked out of LinkedIn, or messages you didn’t send? Use LinkedIn’s unauthorized-access form, end unknown sessions, turn on two-step verification, clean up.
- Someone asked you to share a verification code: why it is always a scam, and what to do if you already sent it4 min read“I sent you a code by mistake” or a buyer who wants to “verify” you? Sharing a code hands over your WhatsApp, Google Voice or other account. What to do next.
- Hacked even with two-factor authentication on? How session hijacking and cookie-stealing malware work3 min readHow cookie-stealing malware lets attackers into your accounts without your password or 2FA code, the warning signs, and the clean-up order that locks them out.
- Hacker still reading your email? How to check Gmail and Outlook for forwarding, filters, rules and delegates3 min readA new password doesn’t remove a hacker’s forwarding address, inbox rules or delegates. Where to find and delete them in Gmail and Outlook.com, step by step.
- Third-party apps with access to your account: how to find and remove them on Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Instagram and X3 min readQuiz apps, “follower checkers” and old logins can keep access after a hack. Where to review and revoke connected apps on Google, Microsoft, Meta and X.
- Your email or password showed up in a data breach: what to do in the first hour3 min readA breach notice or a Password Checkup alert? Which passwords to change first, how to spot the follow-up phishing, and when to freeze your credit.
- Do you need a password manager? How to choose one and set it up safely3 min readWhy a password manager is the simplest fix for reused passwords, the free built-in options from Google and Apple, and the settings that keep the vault itself safe.
- AI voice cloning scams: how to spot a fake call from a family member or your boss — and what to do3 min readScammers clone a voice from a short clip and call for urgent money. What the FTC and FBI advise: hang up, call back on a known number and agree a family code word.
- QR code scams (“quishing”): how fake codes steal logins and payments — and what to do if you scanned one3 min readFake QR codes on parking meters, in emails and on letters lead to look-alike login and payment pages. How to check a code before you open it, and what to do after.
- Your hacked account is posting crypto or giveaway scams: what to do in the first hour3 min readFake crypto giveaways or “investment” stories posted from your account? Warn your followers, take the account back, remove the posts and report — in this order.
- How to turn on two-factor authentication on 12 platforms — and the backup that saves you when the phone is gone4 min readWhere to turn on two-factor authentication on Google, Apple, Microsoft, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Telegram and Discord.
- Netflix account hacked or used without permission: how to take it back3 min readUnknown profiles, a new sign-in email or someone using your Netflix? Change the password, sign out devices, remove unknown profile emails and check charges.
- Spotify account hacked: how to get it back and keep it safe3 min readMusic playing that you didn’t start, a changed email or lost playlists? Reset the Spotify password, sign out everywhere, remove apps and prove ownership.
- Steam account stolen or hijacked: how to recover it — in the order Steam recommends3 min readSteam account stolen? Steam’s own order of steps: scan for malware, secure your email, then reset the password — plus Steam Guard and fake “Steam Support” messages.
- Roblox account hacked: how to recover it — and why the first 30 days matter3 min readRoblox account hacked? Remove malware, reset the password, contact Roblox within 30 days using the right email, and set up 2-step verification with backup codes.
- Epic Games or Fortnite account hacked: how to get it back3 min readEpic Games or Fortnite account hacked? Secure your email, try your linked console account, use “Trouble signing in?”, send a recovery request and turn on 2FA.
- Who else is logged in to your account? Where to check — and sign out — devices on 12 platforms4 min readWhere to see the devices logged in to your Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, Telegram, Snapchat, TikTok and Discord accounts.
- How to report a phishing email, text or fake login page — and what to do if you clicked3 min readGot a fake “your account will be closed” email or text? Where to report phishing to Gmail, Outlook, Google Safe Browsing, Meta, Amazon, the UK NCSC and the US FTC.
- SIM swap: your phone lost service and accounts are being reset — what to do now3 min readPhone suddenly shows no service and accounts start resetting? Signs of a SIM swap, how to get your number back, secure your accounts and stop it happening again.
- PlayStation account hacked: how to get it back and stop unwanted purchases3 min readPSN account hacked, sign-in ID changed or unknown PlayStation Store charges? How to recover it, sign out all devices, deactivate consoles and stop more purchases.
- Amazon account hacked: what to do about security alerts, unknown orders and lockouts3 min readAmazon security alert, unknown orders or a locked account? How to deny the sign-in, report unauthorised activity, recover access and turn on two-step verification.
- Deleted Google Account: how to recover it — and when it’s too late3 min readDeleted your Google Account or Gmail? How to recover a recently deleted account, what to do if it fails, Workspace accounts and Google’s 2-year inactivity rule.
- Closed Microsoft account: how to reopen it before the 30- or 60-day window ends3 min readClosed your Microsoft, Outlook or Hotmail account? The 30- or 60-day reopen window, how to reopen it, what comes back and the 2-year inactivity rule.
- Yahoo account hacked: how to take it back and lock it down3 min readYahoo Mail hacked? Change the password, check forwarding, filters and reply-to, revoke app passwords and lock the account with 2-step verification.
- Fake LinkedIn profile using your name or photo: how to report it and protect your network3 min readSomeone impersonating you on LinkedIn? Report the fake profile, invitations and messages, protect your network, and what to do if your real account is hacked.
- Apple Account locked or disabled: how to get back in, step by step3 min readApple Account locked, not active or disabled for security reasons? Reset your password, how the account recovery wait works, and when Apple says the lock is final.
- Discord account hacked: how to get it back and lock it down3 min readDiscord account hacked or email changed? Use the link in Discord’s “email changed” email, reset the password, remove unknown apps and file a hacked-account ticket.
- Passkeys explained: what they are and how to set them up on Google, Apple, Microsoft and Facebook3 min readWhat a passkey is, why it can’t be phished, and how to set one up on Google, Apple, Microsoft and Facebook — plus the recovery options to keep before you rely on it.
- Hacked or locked Microsoft, Outlook or Hotmail account: how to get it back3 min readOutlook or Hotmail hacked, password not working or account locked? Microsoft’s recovery form, the 25-digit recovery code, reinstatement and what makes it work.
- Telegram account limited or frozen: why it happens and how to appeal3 min readTelegram says you can only message mutual contacts, or your account is frozen? Why spam limits happen, how long they last, and how to appeal via @SpamBot.
- How to recover a Google Account or Gmail without your phone or recovery email3 min readLost the phone and recovery email on your Gmail? How Google’s recovery checks work, the tips that matter most, why phone support can’t help, and when to start over.
- Is that email really from Instagram or Meta? How to check in one minute3 min readCopyright warnings, “your account will be deleted”, blue-badge offers: check any email in Instagram’s recent-emails list, know the real senders and report phishing.
- Stop account hackers: a 15-minute security checklist for your social media3 min readA 15-minute checklist for Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Telegram and Google: app-based 2FA, backup codes, the email behind it, sessions and phishing.
- Telegram account hacked: how to get it back and lock it down3 min readSomeone logged in to your Telegram? End their session, turn on two-step verification, get your SIM back, and what to do if a 2FA password you don’t know was set.
- Disabled, suspended, restricted or locked: what your account notice really means3 min readWhat disabled, suspended, restricted, locked, banned, deactivated and memorialized mean on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and Google — and the first step for each.
- X (Twitter) account hacked: how to get it back and stop it happening again3 min readX account hacked or compromised? Change the password, secure the email, revoke connected apps, request a reset and contact X support when you are locked out.
- LinkedIn account restricted or hacked: how to get it back3 min readLinkedIn restricted your account or someone took it over? The reasons LinkedIn gives, identity verification with a government ID, and the compromised-account form.
- Snapchat account locked or hacked: how to unlock and recover it3 min readSnapchat account temporarily or permanently locked, or hacked? How to unlock at accounts.snapchat.com, appeal in the app and recover a compromised account.
- Google account disabled: how to appeal and get Gmail and YouTube back3 min readGoogle account disabled? What it means for Gmail and YouTube, how to start an appeal, the two-appeal limit and the extra options for users in the EU.
- TikTok account hacked: how to recover it and secure it again3 min readTikTok hacked, password or phone changed? Get back in, remove unknown devices, delete posts made in your name and stop it happening again.
- Gmail or Google account hacked? How to recover it and lock it down3 min readGoogle account or Gmail hacked and the password changed? How Google’s account recovery works, how to give it the best chance, and what to secure afterwards.
- Lost access to two-factor authentication: how to get back into your account3 min readNew phone, lost authenticator app, no backup codes? How to get past two-factor authentication on Instagram, Facebook and Google — and avoid future lockouts.
- Account recovery scams: how to spot a fake recovery service5 min readFake “hackers”, Meta “insiders” and guaranteed unlocks: how recovery scams work, the red flags, what a real service looks like and what to do if you paid.
- Hacked Instagram account: how to get it back fast4 min readInstagram hacked and the email changed? The first-30-minutes checklist, Instagram’s hacked-account flow, video selfie verification and how to lock it down.
Google, privacy & reputation9 guides
Google, privacy & reputation
- Someone is using my photos: how to find fake profiles with a reverse image search and get them taken down4 min readYour photos on a fake or catfish profile? Find every copy with Google Lens and TinEye, save the evidence and report it on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and more.
- Doxxed: how to get your home address, phone number and personal details taken down — and stay safe3 min readYour address or phone number posted to target you? Save evidence, report it under platform privacy rules, get it out of Google and know when to call the police.
- Deepfake of you online: how to get AI-generated images, videos and voice removed3 min readFake or AI-generated video, image or voice of you? Report it to the platform, remove it from Google, use StopNCII and the US TAKE IT DOWN Act’s 48-hour rule.
- Scam ads using your face or name: how to get them taken down3 min readFake ads with your photo, name or a deepfake of you? Report the ad and the impostor page, use IP and impersonation forms, and protect your audience.
- Google Business Profile suspended: how to appeal and get back on Maps3 min readBusiness Profile suspended? Read the reason in the appeals tool, fix the guideline issue, send the right evidence and avoid mistakes that keep it down.
- How to remove your personal information from the internet3 min readYour phone number, address or old photos online? Remove personal data from Google, people-search sites, social media and old accounts — and stop it coming back.
- Can you remove negative Google reviews? What Google actually allows3 min readGoogle only removes reviews that break its policies. Which reviews qualify, how to report them from your Business Profile, how appeals work — and what not to do.
- Private photos or videos leaked online: how to get them removed3 min readIntimate images shared without consent, or someone threatening to? Free tools that stop them spreading — StopNCII, Take It Down, platform and Google removals.
- How to remove negative content from Google: a practical guide3 min readRemove outdated pages, negative news and personal data from Google: Results about you, the outdated content tool, legal requests, the right to be forgotten.
Your rights & official reporting18 guides
Your rights & official reporting
- Appeals Centre Europe and other DSA dispute bodies: how to challenge a ban or removal in the EU5 min readBanned or removed on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube? Take it to Appeals Centre Europe: who can apply, what it reviews, 90-day decisions and no user fee.
- Reporting illegal content in the EU: how a DSA notice works, what the platform must do, and where to escalate4 min readThreats, defamation, leaked images or scams online? How to send a DSA illegal-content notice that works, what platforms must do and where to escalate in the EU.
- Platform breaking EU rules? How to complain to your Digital Services Coordinator, country by country4 min readNo reasons, no appeal, no reply? How to report a platform’s DSA breach to your Digital Services Coordinator, the regulator in each EU country — with the list.
- How to file a GDPR complaint against Meta, TikTok, Google or any company — and which data protection authority handles it4 min readCompany ignoring your GDPR request? Ask it first, then complain free to your data protection authority: who handles Meta, Google and TikTok, deadlines, the list.
- GDPR access request: how to get your data from Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or Google — even when you can’t log in5 min readLocked out, hacked or banned? Use your GDPR right of access to get your data, login history and IP addresses: the self-service tools, a request template, deadlines.
- Asked to prove your age online in the UK? What the Online Safety Act requires, the accepted check methods, and how to protect your data4 min readSince July 2025, UK apps must check ages before showing content harmful to children. The methods Ofcom accepts, what you share, and what to do if locked out.
- Reddit account suspended, banned or flagged: what each status means and how to appeal it4 min readTemporary or permanent Reddit ban, spam flag or subreddit ban? What each means, the 3-day, 7-day, permanent ladder and the six-month appeal window.
- Will an unused account be deleted? Inactivity rules for Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and X — and how to keep yours3 min readGoogle and Microsoft can delete accounts unused for 2 years, Yahoo after 18 months; X wants a login every 30 days. What counts as activity and how to keep access.
- Pinterest account suspended or deactivated: why it happens and how to appeal3 min readPinterest says your account was deactivated? Why it happens, how to appeal in the app, Help Center or email link, the EU’s six-month appeal and what to avoid.
- How long does account recovery take? Waiting times and windows by platform (2026)4 min readAccount recovery, reopening and reinstatement wait times for Apple, Google, Microsoft, Meta, WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch and Pinterest in one sourced table.
- Official account recovery links for every platform (2026)3 min readThe genuine recovery, appeal and help-centre pages for Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube, Google, X, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Telegram and Microsoft.
- Online harassment: how to report it, and where to escalate when the platform ignores you4 min readHarassed on Instagram, TikTok or X? Document it, report it, switch on the safety tools, then escalate: eSafety, Report Harmful Content, the EU DSA — or the police.
- Appeal deadlines by platform: how long you have to challenge a ban (2026)4 min readHow long you have to appeal a suspended or disabled account on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, X, Google, WhatsApp and Snapchat — and what happens after.
- Sextortion: what to do if someone threatens to share your intimate images4 min readBeing blackmailed with intimate images? Don’t pay, stop replying, keep the evidence, report it — and use the free Take It Down and StopNCII tools to block uploads.
- When someone dies: their Facebook, Instagram and Google accounts3 min readA loved one has died. How to memorialize or remove their Facebook and Instagram accounts, close a Google account or request its data — and what platforms won’t do.
- Hacked account or online scam: where to report it, country by country4 min readOfficial places to report a hacked account or online scam in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, the UAE and more.
- Account suspended in the EU: your appeal rights under the Digital Services Act3 min readIf you live in the EU, the Digital Services Act gives you a statement of reasons, a free internal appeal and an independent dispute body. How to use them.
- GDPR right to erasure: how to get personal data deleted and delisted from Google3 min readUse GDPR Article 17 to get personal data deleted by a website or platform, and the right to be forgotten to delist results from Google in Europe.
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