A number of Facebook users in Vietnam have recently reported that their accounts were suddenly suspended, accompanied by a notice requiring them to submit an appeal within 180 days - without a clear explanation of what triggered the action.

According to the notification sent to affected users, “this account or its activity does not comply with our Community Standards on account integrity.”

Users are given a six-month window to request a review. If they fail to do so within the deadline, the account will be permanently disabled.

The system provides a link for users to submit an appeal if they believe the decision was made in error, often attributed to automated moderation tools.

At first, some suspected phishing attempts. However, after logging directly into the platform, they found their accounts had indeed been disabled and were required to follow identity verification procedures.

In many cases, users are asked to record a video selfie to confirm they are “a real person.” The platform states that this video is used solely for identity verification and will be deleted within 30 days.

While some users have successfully regained access after completing the process, others remain locked out.

Notably, many affected users insist they had been using Facebook normally, without posting or sharing content that violates policies such as violence or explicit material.

Speaking to VietNamNet on the sidelines of an event on April 7, Khoi Le, Country Director of Meta in Vietnam, said issues related to personal accounts are handled centrally by a dedicated team.

“These matters are addressed on a case-by-case basis to ensure user security. At this point, Meta does not have general information to share, as each situation requires a specific assessment,” he said.

Meta may require certain users to verify their identity through video selfies, and in some cases, facial recognition technology is used to confirm legitimate account ownership.

According to Khoi Le, this process is designed to strengthen account security and help users regain access more quickly.

Responding to concerns that Meta may be prioritizing AI development at the expense of user experience, he noted that such assessments depend on individual perspectives. However, internal data shows no decline in the number of users or time spent on platforms like Facebook and Instagram in Vietnam.

“Meta continues to rely on user signals to improve and better support the community. This is why virtual assistants and AI-driven solutions will become increasingly common,” he said.

In the near future, the company is expected to introduce additional solutions tailored specifically for its user community, aiming to enhance support and overall experience.

Du Lam