Wed. Sep 3rd, 2025

A growing number of New Zealand creatives have come forward to express their frustration and disappointment after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, wrongfully deleted their social media business accounts. The sudden and unexplained deletion of these accounts has resulted in a significant decline in followers and revenue for these creatives, many of whom rely on social media to promote and sell their work. The affected individuals include artists, designers, writers, and musicians, who have invested considerable time and effort into building their online presence. Many have reported that their accounts were deleted without warning or explanation, leaving them with no recourse or support from Meta. The deletion of these accounts has not only resulted in a loss of followers but also a loss of revenue, as many of these creatives rely on social media to sell their products or services. The situation has been described as ‘devastating’ by some, who have seen their livelihoods severely impacted by the sudden loss of their online presence. Some have reported that they have tried to contact Meta to appeal the decision, but have been met with automated responses or silence. The issue has sparked widespread outrage and concern among the creative community, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability from Meta. The company has faced criticism in the past for its handling of user accounts and content moderation, and this latest incident has only added to the growing list of concerns. The impact of the account deletions is not limited to the creatives themselves, but also to their fans and followers, who have been left without access to their favorite artists and content creators. The situation has also raised questions about the role of social media in the creative industry, and the need for greater support and protection for artists and content creators. Many are calling for alternative platforms to be developed, which would give creatives more control over their online presence and revenue streams. In the meantime, the affected creatives are being forced to rebuild their online presence from scratch, a process that can be time-consuming and costly. The incident has also highlighted the need for greater education and awareness about social media and online safety, particularly among vulnerable groups such as artists and small business owners. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Meta will respond to the concerns of the creative community, and what steps the company will take to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the power and influence of social media companies, and the need for greater regulation and oversight. The creative community is coming together to support those affected, with many offering advice and guidance on how to rebuild and recover from the account deletions. However, the road to recovery will be long and difficult, and it may take some time for the affected creatives to regain their online presence and revenue streams. In the meantime, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of diversifying one’s online presence, and not relying too heavily on a single platform or company. The situation is a wake-up call for creatives and small business owners, who must be vigilant and proactive in protecting their online presence and revenue streams. As the creative industry continues to evolve and grow, it is essential that social media companies like Meta prioritize the needs and concerns of their users, and work to create a safe and supportive online environment. The incident has also highlighted the need for greater support and resources for creatives, particularly in the areas of online safety and social media management. By working together, the creative community can rebuild and recover from this incident, and create a stronger and more resilient online presence.

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