About the error “We restrict certain activity to protect our community” on Instagram
The error “We restrict certain activity to protect our community” is Instagram’s measure to restrict suspicious or harmful activity like spamming. So, if you get this error, it means your account was detected for unusual or harmful activity.
Let’s take a look at the reasons Instagram could have restricted your account:
Why did I get this error?
Instagram algorithms work to reduce spammy and suspicious activity that can harm its user environment.
The platform’s algorithms may have sensed robotic or other suspicious activity on your account, such as excessive following/commenting or violating community guidelines or terms of use. If that happens, the system will flag your account as suspicious and restrict it.
Following are some of the robotic activities that can get your account restricted:
Following or unfollowing accounts frequently: Excessive Following or unfollowing of accounts may be considered spammy or robotic activity on Instagram.
Repeating & spamming comments: Repeating and spamming the same comment and commenting excessively on posts may be considered spammy and unmeaningful by Instagram.
Here are some common violations of these community guidelines:
Posting violent content: Instagram’s community guidelines disallow posting content that goes against its standards, which can include posting:
Nudity: (except in health-related posts, photos of paintings & sculptures)
Graphic content: Images/videos or other content that display injuries or violence (except newsworthy or educational posts)
Copyrighted content without a license
Personal pictures or videos of people without their consent
Using third-party plugins: Instagram discourages using third-party apps, especially those that offer fake likes and followers. Such third-party apps require access to your Instagram account, which puts your account’s security at risk. So, Instagram may take measures to protect your account by restricting it.
Suspicious logins: If Instagram detects suspicious logins on your account, it will restrict your account to protect it.
Rude behavior: Behaving rudely on Instagram can restrict your account, whether somebody reports your rude behavior or Instagram detects it. If this happens, Instagram’s team will review your activity and may restrict your account if community guidelines are violated.
Unverified age: Instagram requires users to verify their age by various means such as setting their birthday via settings. Not verifying your age may be the reason why IG restricted your account.
Instagram clarifies that confirming your birthday is a requirement for fully experiencing the platform.
Although there isn’t a guaranteed solution to getting your Instagram account unrestricted, you can take some measures to get on good terms with the app.
Here are six things you can do to tryto get your account unrestricted:
1. Take a break & wait:
Excessive or spammy engagement can be the cause behind your account’s restriction.
If you think this is the case, consider taking a break from the app and waiting it out. It can take up to several weeks until your account gets unrestricted.
If your account activity was not spammy, check what other Instagram requirements you’re not fulfilling, such as unverified age.
2. Slow down your interactions:
Ensure your interactions are moderate and avoid spam, such as excessive & repetitive comments, likes, subscriptions, and messages to people if they don’t want it.
Especially after your account gets unrestricted, ensure you’re not making the same mistake again.
3. Review & remove violent content:
Instagram can restrict accounts that post content that is against its community standards.
Review and remove any content from your account that violates these standards.
In some cases, IG might remove violent content from an account by itself.
You can ignore this step if none of your uploads violate IG’s community guidelines.
4. Review account activity & security
Your IG account’s security is compromised if an unauthorized user manages to log in, so you should review your account activity and check for suspicious logins.
If your account is compromised, change your Instagram password immediately and force log all connected devices out of Instagram through your account settings.
Instagram has clarified that users should avoid giving third-party apps or plugins access to their accounts, whether by using a login token or sharing login credentials.
If you’ve used a third-party app/plugin, then it’s time to remove it and secure your account.
After removing plugins, consider changing your account password to be on the safe side.
6. Review & remove rude comments/messages:
If you believe any comments or messages from your account violated IG’s community guidelines, it’s best to review and delete them.
Unverified age might be why your IG account was restricted, so consider confirming your age.
Instagram also does not allow people under 13 to use the platform. If you are under 13, consider using a different social media app or wait until you turn 13.
Zubair is an SEO content writer and a graphics designer. He writes website content on SEO, technology and the ever-changing digital trends. His work is often characterised by independent thinking and perfectionism. And in his free time, Zubair enjoys playing video games and drawing.
