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Claim: Thread user asserts that he was banned from Google services for nine years.
Verdict: False! The picture is a reoccurring one from 2023. Google also denied sending the message.
Full Text
Google is primarily known for its web search engine, which allows users to find information on virtually any topic by entering keywords into the search bar. Google provides Gmail, a popular email service used by individuals and businesses worldwide.
Thread user @Jumpmanjoter posted that he had been banned from using Google’s services.
In the post, he shared an image from Google stating that “due to several requests from the United States Government on the topics you have been searching over the last 5 years,” and he may choose to return on June 26, 2033.
The post garnered 105 replies and 355 likes since it was posted, April 29, 2024.
Verification
Google, like many other companies, has policies and terms of service that users must adhere to when using their products and services. If someone violates these terms, Google may take action, including banning or suspending the user’s account or access to certain services.
We did a reverse image search and saw that it was a recurring image from 2023. The picture appeared Aug 1, 2023, on X. The post was also found on Instagram, and X. We also saw that the post had the same return date as the claim posted on threads.
We reviewed Google’s terms and conditions and did not see such a policy stated there. The website’s Help Center says reasons an account might be disabled include hacking, creating a false identity, phishing, sexually explicit content, and valid legal requests.
Google told USA TODAY that it was not behind the viral image.
“This is not a legitimate message from our support team,” said Google spokesperson Christa Muldoon. “We clearly state the reasons an account may be suspended in our Help Center. The rationale listed in this image does not reflect any of our policies or enforcement, including for Search.”
Accounts are also disabled permanently, not for a set period. Users can appeal to reinstate their account, which will occur immediately if their appeal is successful.
Conclusion
The image is a recurring one from 2023. Google also does not reinstate accounts; they are disabled permanently.
