If you tried logging into X (formerly Twitter) recently and found your timeline looking a bit thinner—or worse, your own account locked, you aren’t alone. The social media giant has been on a massive “house-cleaning” spree, suspending thousands of accounts globally.
From AI-generated controversies to a crackdown on “non-human” activity, here is everything you need to know about the latest ban wave hitting the platform.
The AI Crackdown: Grok and the ‘Obscene’ Content Row
One of the biggest triggers for the recent suspensions involves X’s own AI chatbot, Grok. Recently, the platform faced intense heat from governments, including India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), over the generation of “obscene and unlawful” AI content.
In a swift response to avoid losing its “safe harbour” legal protection, X reportedly deleted over 600 accounts directly linked to sharing offensive AI-generated imagery. Blocked 3,500+ posts that violated safety guidelines. Introduced stricter filters on Grok to prevent users from creating non-consensual or “deepfake” style images.
The “Human-Only” Rule: Say Goodbye to the Bots
If you’re a developer or a fan of automation, take note. X has officially started a war against bots. Nikita Bier, a top product executive at X, recently warned that the platform is rolling out advanced detection for automation.
According to the new rule, “If a human is not tapping on the screen, the account will likely be suspended.” This move is designed to stop “data scraping” and the flood of spam that has plagued the site since the $44 billion takeover.
Why Is Your Account at Risk?
Even regular users can get caught in the crossfire. Here are the most common reasons accounts are being flagged right now:
Spammy Behavior: Sending too many DMs or following/unfollowing hundreds of people in a few hours.
Security Risks: If you log in from a new location or a suspicious IP address, X might lock your account to prevent a “hack.”
Aggressive Liking: Believe it or not, hitting the heart button too fast can make the system think you’re a bot.
AI Misuse: Using AI tools to generate or spread sensitive or misleading content.
What to Do if You Get Suspended?
Don’t panic! Most suspensions aren’t permanent. If you’re locked out, you’ll usually see a prompt to verify your phone number or email. In many cases, proving you are a real human with a simple CAPTCHA or OTP is enough to get back into the digital town square.
However, for those hit by the “permanent” hammer, the road is tougher. You’ll need to file an official appeal, though experts warn that with a smaller support team at X, response times can be slow.
