For the LDN Support Group

Keeping Our Community Safe from Bans and Restrictions

Last Updated: January 2026

Section 1: Official Facebook Community Standards

Meta has unified its Community Standards across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Threads. These standards are organized into six main categories:

Section 2: High-Risk Areas for Health Support Groups

Health-focused groups like the LDN Support Group face unique risks. The following areas require careful attention:

2.1 Health Misinformation (CRITICAL)

Facebook removes content that it classifies as health misinformation likely to contribute to imminent physical harm. This includes:

• Vaccine misinformation: Claims that vaccines cause autism, change DNA, contain microchips, or are ineffective
• Disease misinformation: False claims about disease prevention, transmission, or cure
• Treatment misinformation: Unproven claims that specific substances cure serious diseases

2.2 Restricted Goods: Drug Discussions

Facebook has specific policies around prescription drug discussions:

2.3 Spam and Inauthentic Behavior

Facebook aggressively removes content it classifies as spam. Triggers include:

• Repetitive posting of similar content
• Posting identical content across multiple groups
• Unsolicited commercial promotion
• Sensationalized health claims designed to drive engagement
• Links to low-quality or misleading websites
• Coordinated engagement (like pods asking members to like/comment)

Section 3: Suspected (Unofficial) Enforcement Triggers

Based on observed patterns, these factors appear to trigger Facebook enforcement even if not explicitly stated in policies:

3.1 Algorithmic Red Flags

• Cure/heal language: Words like "cure," "heal," "reverse," "miracle" in relation to diseases
• Condition-specific claims: Directly connecting treatments to specific medical conditions
• Anti-establishment framing: "What doctors don't want you to know" type language
• Supplement sales language: Words commonly used in supplement marketing
• Health claim + link combination: Making health claims with commercial links

3.2 Report-Based Triggers

User reports can trigger enforcement. Groups face higher risk when:

• Controversial discussions attract outside attention
• Members share screenshots of discussions elsewhere
• Disagreements within the group lead to retaliatory reporting
• Content contradicts mainstream medical consensus

3.3 Group-Level Risk Factors

Facebook may reduce visibility or act against entire groups when:

• Multiple posts from the group are flagged in a short period
• The group name contains health claims or disease names
• Admins fail to moderate problematic content
• High velocity of new member requests (may indicate coordination)
• Links to fact-checked misinformation are shared repeatedly

Section 4: Safe Language Guidelines

The following language patterns can help reduce the risk of content removal:

4.1 Reframe Claims as Personal Experience

4.2 Include Appropriate Disclaimers

When sharing health information, consider including:

• "This is not medical advice; please consult your healthcare provider"
• "Individual results may vary"
• "Based on my personal experience"
• "Research is ongoing and results are preliminary"

4.3 Cite Sources Appropriately

When sharing research:

• Link to peer-reviewed studies when possible
• Use PubMed, clinical trial registries, or reputable medical sources
• Avoid links to sites flagged by fact-checkers
• Summarize findings accurately without exaggeration

Section 5: Group Moderation Best Practices

5.1 Use Facebook's Admin Tools

• Post Approval: Enable post approval for all posts or new members
• Keyword Alerts: Set alerts for high-risk words (cure, heal, buy, sell, etc.)
• Admin Assist: Auto-decline posts containing banned keywords
• Membership Questions: Screen new members with questions about their intent

5.2 Establish Clear Group Rules

Recommended rules for the group:

1. No medical advice: Share personal experiences only; do not prescribe treatments
2. No buying/selling: Do not offer to buy, sell, trade, or give away medications
3. No pharmacy links: Do not post links to online pharmacies or suppliers
4. Respect privacy: Do not share screenshots or information outside the group
5. Consult professionals: Always recommend consulting a healthcare provider
6. Be respectful: No harassment, bullying, or personal attacks
7. No spam: No promotional content or repetitive posting
8. Accurate information: Cite sources for claims; avoid sensationalized content

5.3 Handle Violations Promptly

• Remove problematic content quickly before it accumulates reports
• Use Facebook's "tag rule" feature to educate members
• Issue warnings before banning except for severe violations
• Document moderation actions for consistency

Section 6: Understanding Facebook's Strike System

Facebook uses a progressive enforcement system. Understanding it helps manage risk:

6.1 Individual Account Strikes

Note: Minor violations are tracked for 90 days; severe violations can be tracked for up to 4 years.

6.2 Group-Level Consequences

• Reduced distribution in News Feed
• Removal from recommendations (permanent for health groups)
• Restrictions on admin/moderator features
• Temporary or permanent group removal
• Admin barred from creating new groups for a period

6.3 Appeals Process

If content is removed incorrectly:

9. Check notifications for the removal reason and appeal option
10. Submit an appeal with a clear explanation
11. Wait for review (typically 24-48 hours)
12. If restored, the strike is removed from your record

Section 7: Recent Policy Changes (2025)

Meta announced significant changes in January 2025:

7.1 Community Notes System

Facebook is transitioning from third-party fact-checkers to a Community Notes model (similar to X/Twitter). This means:

• Less reliance on external fact-checking organizations
• User-contributed context notes on posts
• Less aggressive labeling of content
• Potential for more medical misinformation to remain visible

7.2 Reduced Enforcement Errors

Meta claims a 50% reduction in enforcement mistakes in Q1 2025. Changes include:

• Focusing automated systems on high-severity violations
• Requiring higher confidence before removal
• Relying more on user reports for less severe violations

7.3 Health/Wellness Advertising Restrictions

New restrictions affect health-related commercial activities:

• Brands associated with medical conditions face additional categorization
• Tracking and advertising tools are restricted for health data
• This may affect any commercial aspects of the group

Section 8: Quick Reference Checklist

Before Posting, Ask:

• Is this framed as personal experience rather than medical advice?
• Am I avoiding words like "cure," "heal," "reverse," or "miracle"?
• Am I NOT trying to buy, sell, or trade medications?
• Is my source credible and not previously flagged?
• Have I included an appropriate disclaimer?
• Is this respectful and not attacking other members?
• Am I encouraging consultation with healthcare providers?
• Is this NOT spam or promotional content?

Words to Avoid

Safer Alternatives

Section 9: Community Contingency Plans

Given the ongoing challenges health support groups face on Facebook, we are actively studying contingency options to ensure our community remains connected and supported regardless of platform changes.

9.1 Why Contingency Planning Matters

Health support groups on Facebook face unique vulnerabilities:

• Platform policy changes can occur without warning
• Automated enforcement systems may flag legitimate health discussions
• Groups can be restricted or removed, sometimes without clear recourse
• Members need reliable ways to stay connected and access support

9.2 Current Status

We are currently studying our options to determine the best path forward for our 7,000+ member community. This includes evaluating:

• Alternative platforms for community discussions
• Website-based forums and resources
• Email newsletter communications
• Backup communication channels

9.3 How to Stay Connected

To ensure you don't lose access to our community and resources:

13. Subscribe to our website at www.ldnsupportgroup.org for updates and announcements
14. Participate in group polls to help us understand your preferences
15. Keep your contact information current so we can reach you if needed
16. Watch for announcements in the Facebook group about contingency plans

Section 10: Resources and References

Official Meta Resources

• Community Standards: transparency.meta.com/policies/community-standards/
• Advertising Standards: transparency.meta.com/policies/ad-standards/
• Misinformation Policy: transparency.meta.com/policies/community-standards/misinformation/
• Restricted Goods Policy: transparency.fb.com/policies/community-standards/regulated-goods/

Report Policy Violations

If you believe content was incorrectly removed, use Facebook's Support Inbox to appeal. For account restrictions, check the Account Quality section in Settings.

Document compiled for the LDN Support Group

January 2026