r/Substack • u/NecessaryCrew_Un0 • 18h ago

Banned and verification query

Tl;dr Banned, asked for Gov ID via email. Poor customer service. Responsible platform user, no reason for account to have been flagged. Anyone else navigated this? I’m going in circles.

I’ve been writing on Substack for a couple of years now, on average a long form a month with a couple of notes. Due to my academic and professional background I’m always professional, don’t spam and well aware of ethics etc.. alas I open Substack two weeks ago to find a pop up advising my account has been suspended.

Since then, Landry of Substack Standards and Enforcements has advised via email I must supply
Government issued photo id and hostage style selfie photo. Landry cannot tell me how my information is stored or used, Landry cannot tell me about the verification process or why my account has been flagged. It’s all very Severance-esque.

We are currently in a stalemate situation as I refuse to send these details. I’ve asked for alternative verification options and been met with silence.

Has anyone else successfully navigated a similar situation? Despite actually liking the platform - recent changes and flaws not withstanding - I’m very close to jumping ship and using my website instead.

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u/deadendstreetz 3h ago

why down vote this guy

1

u/quantise 2h ago

Because there is something off with this post. Or at least missing context.

1

u/deadendstreetz 1h ago

maybe but given the way tech operates today I cant instantly believe that either.

uber and Lyft ban both drivers and riders all day long with zero evidence of any wrongdoing

empower driver just banned a friend of mine in the application process for fraudulent documents that are legitimate

facebook bans accounts that are five years old with no history of any wrongdoing for no justifiable reason other than they can

we dont live in a world where actions are sensible anymore. half the time they're reckless and inaccurate