Facebook member claims account disabled over Google+ ad

source: gmanews.tv
Was an ad asking for a Google+ invite enough basis for Facebook to disable a member's account, including his online campaigns?

It was for web app developer Michael Lee Johnson, who said Facebook disabled his ad account but did not specify the reasons for it.

Johnson, who eventually got his Google+ account, posted his ordeal online - and made known his sentiment about Facebook on his Google+ account.

"(P.S.) Facebook - You Suck," he said.

As of Sunday noon (in Manila), 1,460 Google+ users have Johnson in their circles.

Before his account was disabled, Johnson had posted an ad on Facebook, asking Google+ users to add him to their circles.

"If you're lucky enough to have a Google+ account, add Michael Lee Johnson, Internet Geek, App Developer, Technological Virtuoso," his ad said.

But he found his Facebook campaigns were suddenly disabled, with a message from Facebook informing him that even his account was disabled.

He quoted the Facebook message as telling him his adverts "have been stopped and should not be run again on the site under any circumstances."

"Generally, we disable an account if too many of its adverts violate our Terms of Use or Advertising guidelines. Unfortunately we cannot provide you with the specific violations that have been deemed abusive. Please review our Terms of Use and Advertising guidelines if you have any further questions," Johnson quoted the Facebook message to him.

An article on CNET said Johnson could have run afoul of the following terms:
Clause 11 in the "Special Provisions Applicable to Advertisers" section: "You will not issue any press release or make public statements about your relationship with Facebook without written permission."

Clause 4d of Facebook's Advertising Guidelines: "Ads cannot insult, harass, or threaten a user."

Clause 6a of the same Advertising Guidelines: "We may refuse ads at any time for any reason, including our determination that they promote competing products or services or negatively affect our business or relationship with our users."
"Still, ejecting all of Johnson's campaigns seems a touch cruel. Perhaps Johnson will consider an action against Facebook for emotional distress and, well, damage to his reputation," the CNET article said.

source: gmanews.tv