Meta Apologises as Brentford TV's Suspension Lifted
Review finds Facebook group adhered to community standards
"The Brentford Mirage" was one of the first photos posted on the restored groupl Picture: Brentford TV
July 4, 2025
The on and off suspension of local Facebook group Brentford Today and TV appears to be at an end after Meta apologised for its actions and acknowledged that the site had adhered to its standards.
The action, which the internet giant justified by saying it needed to take measures ‘to help keep everyone on Facebook safe’, came after a BBC report which highlighted erroneous suspensions and included an interview from Brentford TV’s administrator John Dale.
The interference began last since 30 May with two suspensions lifted and quickly reinstated since then.
Mr Dale commented, “Facebook reacted immediately after media reports – first, BrentfordTW8.com, then the BBC. It's a pity it seems only respond to this sort of sledgehammer.”
Most of the site’s invaluable original content has been restored and a backlog of information from the last week or so has been added.
In a post characteristic of the site, a picture of a ‘Miracle on the High Street/The Brentford Mirage’ was posted on its return. This showed an optical illusion in which the blue netting being affixed to McIlroy Terrace looked like a mural being pasted on the façade.
The site received support from across the political spectrum and the wider community. Local MP Ruth Cadbury had told Mr Dale that she intended to take up the case personally with Meta just before the latest suspension was lifted.
The report by the BBC highlighted that Brentford TV was not alone in its predicament with Facebook users across the globe falling victim to wrongful suspensions. As with the local case, the administrators found themselves unable to get any sort of non-automated response from Meta.
Brentford TV's suspension is lifted. Picture: Facebook
The company has acknowledged technical problems with its moderation system which are believed to have been a result of attempts to make decisions powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
More than 25,000 people signed a petition complaining about the problem and some have considered initiating a class action suit against the social media giant.
Although the latest communication from Meta is more clear cut than when previous suspensions were lifted, Mr Dale is not taking anything for granted. He says, “We’ll see how it goes this time. Fingers very, very crossed.”
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