Instagram Users in Israel Report Mass Account Blocks Following WhatsApp Attacks

Following a recent wave of WhatsApp account blocks in Israel, users have now reported similar mass blockings on Instagram, another Meta-owned platform. Since yesterday, numerous Israeli users have found their Instagram accounts blocked without clear reasons, sparking frustration and concern. One user shared on a large women's Facebook group that her account was blocked overnight, while others reported losing access to long-standing accounts with thousands of followers. Some users resorted to hiring lawyers to send legal warnings to regain access.

Cybersecurity expert Ofer Revach explained that this surge appears to be a coordinated attack targeting Israeli Instagram accounts. According to Revach, a large group, possibly based in Turkey, is reporting Israeli accounts en masse to trigger automatic blocks. These attackers then contact victims via WhatsApp, demanding ransom payments to restore access. The attackers exploit visible contact buttons or phone numbers on profiles, using bots to mass-report accounts and cause their removal from Instagram.

Revach noted that the blocks often cite "account integrity and authentic identity" violations, implying suspected impersonation, though users report no triggering actions on their part. The attack seems compounded by a Meta platform bug that blocks not only the targeted account but also other accounts linked to the same device within the past three months. He also mentioned a "whole industry" on Telegram profiting millions annually by assisting in account recovery, sometimes involving low-level Meta support staff with sufficient permissions.

Currently, Meta offers no direct customer service for these cases, leaving users to appeal the blocks through automated systems. If appeals fail, options are limited to legal action or purchasing Meta Verified status in hopes of reaching a human representative. Mako contacted Meta, which confirmed the issue is under investigation.