Meta AI Chaos Blamed for Third Brentford TV Suspension |
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Over 21,000 sign petition against 'broken system'
June 27, 2025 After his site was suspended for the third time, John Dale has blasted ‘faceless Facebook’ but now at least knows his Brentford Today & TV site is not alone in its plight. A UK-based petition against Meta’s moderation policies has attracted over 21,000 signatures as angry users of its services complain about the wrongful disabling of their accounts. John, who is a 79-year-old semi-retired journalist, said, “This is throwing us and other sites into chaos and depriving people of vital community news services. My site provides news coverage for Brentford, Chiswick, Isleworth and the borough of Hounslow and there is considerable dismay over its absence, especially over Hounslow Council affairs. Facebook switches between saying it’s ‘cybersecurity’ and ‘community standards’ but there is never any further explanation. There is an appeal button promising a quick decision, but you don’t get a response. “I set up my Facebook group six years ago, to offer local social media coverage without all the usual abuse and misinformation. I run it rigorously and it is used by about 8,000 local people. It now seems broken. Facebook is faceless. I feel like a speck of dust being toyed in the palm of a demented giant.” Although the site’s initial suspension was lifted a few hours after BrentfordTW8.com asked for a comment from Meta, the company is not responding to our request for an explanation for its actions. The petition calling for action from Meta states, “Meta’s AI moderation system is disabling thousands of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp accounts without cause. Users are being locked out of their personal memories, messages, and business profiles—often with no explanation, and no functional way to appeal. We're calling on Meta to fix its broken systems and treat its users with respect and fairness. “In recent weeks, there has been a massive increase in the number of users reporting unfair account suspensions. Many of these cases appear to be false flags caused by Meta’s newly implemented AI tools. The appeal process is vague, inconsistent, and slow—often taking weeks or even months with no clear resolution. “Some users have lost access to years of photos, conversations, and critical business tools. Others were victims of hacking, only to find themselves locked out permanently. No phone support exists, appeal links are broken, and automated responses offer no real help.” Brentford Today & TV was first suspended on 30 May, restored for one day one week later, suspended again, restored for two days, and suspended again last Sunday 22 June and remains suspended at the time of writing. The site has played a vital role in the community since its inception helping promote community events such as this Saturday’s (28 June) Brentford Pubs Regatta, run by Brentford Rowing Club.
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