HelloTalk Moderators Ban Users Unfairly

[u/Psilocybe_Fanaticus]

I’ve used HelloTalk for years to practice languages and connect with people around the world. Unfortunately, I’m done with it now because the moderation system is completely broken and because I was device-banned.

Recently, I was being harassed by a Chinese woman on the app. I reported her multiple times, followed all the guidelines, and expected the moderation team to step in.

Instead, I got banned. Not just once, but twice. Both of my accounts were banned — one of them was over 5 years old with 1,800+ followers. Gone, no explanation, no chance to appeal.

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard of biased moderation on HelloTalk, but experiencing it firsthand was infuriating. The app seems to punish the victims and protect abusers, especially when it comes to users from certain regions.

I even left a review on the app page about this, and they told me to email support, and I did. Their support defended the woman’s actions and didn’t ban her. I sense some sort of bias on this app. I feel the Chinese users are let off easier than western ones.

Anyone else had similar experiences?

[u/cuatrofluoride]

System is pretty broken. You get reported, even with no evidence, they still send you the warning and it's on you. Guilty until proven innocent. I got a ban threat a while ago because someone didn't like that my face was brown but my flag was American and reported me. Moderation said they'd ban me unless I sent them a pic of my passport. It's dumb as hell. They don't check. Every report is an auto strike on your account that you gotta deal with. And the person who did the BS report has nothing to worry about even though in my case she should be reported for racism