Overview
- Why do Instagram accounts get blocked?
- First aid after an account block: what to do immediately
- The Regional Court of Berlin’s judgment: antitrust law as a lever
- Out of court or in court? Our approach
- Checklist: these documents speed up the unblocking
- FAQ: frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
- Contact
- Further reading
“Instagram account blocked – what to do?” For many businesses, coaches and influencers, the account is a central sales channel and reputation anchor. A block quickly leads to losses in reach and revenue.
This article explains the first steps to take (appeal, documentation), the options before the courts – and why the judgment of the Regional Court of Berlin of 28 July 2025 (61 O 99/25 Kart eV) makes it noticeably easier to enforce your rights.
Why do Instagram accounts get blocked?
- alleged or actual violations of the Terms of Use and Community Guidelines
- conspicuous bulk activity (e.g. liking/commenting within a short period of time) → suspected bot use
- third-party reports, e.g. over alleged trademark or copyright infringement
- security measures (suspected hacking or identity fraud)
First aid after an account block: what to do immediately
- Secure evidence: screenshots of all notices in the app/by email, ticket IDs, timestamps, effects on reach/revenue.
- File an appeal: via Instagram’s help centre/appeal process; set out the facts briefly and objectively, provide proof of identity/trademark rights.
- Stop risky behaviour: no bulk actions, no third-party tools; change passwords, activate 2FA, check devices/IP addresses.
- Set a deadline and escalate: if there is no response, or a negative one, obtain a legal assessment and – depending on the situation – pursue expedited proceedings.
The Regional Court of Berlin’s judgment: antitrust law as a lever
By judgment of 28 July 2025 (Regional Court of Berlin II, 61 O 99/25 Kart eV), the court made three things clear:
- Prior hearing: If Meta (Instagram) deactivates an account without hearing the user first, this can constitute an abuse of a dominant market position within the meaning of Section 19(1), (2) no. 1 alt. 1 of the German Act against Restraints of Competition (GWB) – except in exceptional cases of urgency.
- International jurisdiction of German courts: Under Art. 7(2) of the Brussels Ia Regulation, German courts have jurisdiction where the effects are felt in Germany – despite the Irish choice-of-court clause in the terms and conditions. This is in line with the position of the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf (judgment of 2 April 2025 – VI-U (Kart) 5/24).
- Interim relief: The Regional Court of Berlin issued a preliminary injunction ordering the reinstatement of the account. What matters is a balancing of interests; imminent insolvency is not required.
What this means for affected users
Alongside civil-law and media-law approaches, influencers and businesses can assert antitrust claims for injunctive relief and the removal of the interference under Section 33 GWB. In practice, this increases the pressure on Meta and improves the chances of a swift unblocking – frequently already out of court.
Out of court or in court? Our approach
- Case intake & review: reason for the block, support history, economic dependency, brand cooperation agreements, trademark/content situation.
- Out-of-court intervention: a qualified presentation of the individual case; arguments under civil, media and antitrust law; setting a deadline.
- Expedited proceedings (preliminary injunction): application for reinstatement where the legal position is clear; balancing of interests in favour of the professionally dependent account.
- Main proceedings/negotiation: a negotiated solution with Meta or, failing that, litigation.
Checklist: these documents speed up the unblocking
- screenshots of the block notification, ticket IDs, messages from support
- proof of monetisation (brand deals, invoices, shop links)
- proof of trademark/copyright ownership, proof of identity
- chronology of the most recent activity before the block (tools, campaigns, logins/IP addresses)
FAQ: frequently asked questions
How long does unblocking take after an appeal?
Anywhere from a few days to several weeks. If there is no response, intervention by a lawyer speeds up the process; where the legal position is clear, interim relief is available.
Can Meta deactivate my account without hearing me first?
As a rule, no. The Regional Court of Berlin regards deactivation without a prior hearing as problematic under antitrust law (Section 19 GWB), except in exceptional cases of urgency.
Can I take action against Instagram/Meta in Germany?
Yes. German courts have jurisdiction under Art. 7(2) of the Brussels Ia Regulation where the impairment takes effect in Germany. An Irish choice-of-court clause does not stand in the way.
Is an appeal to Instagram worthwhile at all?
The appeal makes sense and should always be used. In hacking cases, it is sometimes sufficient on its own. If it does not succeed, there are good out-of-court and court options.
Conclusion
Account blocks are not infrequently based on mere suspicion or misjudgments by automated systems. Those who document quickly, file an objective appeal and make use of the antitrust lever significantly improve their chances of a swift unblocking.
The Regional Court of Berlin’s 2025 judgment confirms: platform power has limits – including vis-à-vis professional users.
Contact
LHR Rechtsanwälte will review your case at short notice and enforce your rights against Meta/Instagram – out of court and in court.
Further reading
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