Meta blocks Puerto Rico business outlet’s access to Facebook
Meta has revoked administrative access to the Facebook page of News is my Business (NIMB), a Puerto Rico-based outlet that covers the island’s economy, cutting off daily updates to about 15,000 followers and halting advertising campaigns for local companies.
On Aug. 12, the company also disabled the personal account of the site’s owner, Michelle Kantrow-Vázquez, without prior notice. Meta cited an unspecified “age restriction” violation. Kantrow-Vázquez said she provided a government-issued ID to confirm her age but has received no explanation for the suspension.
“Meta silenced our newsroom overnight with no explanation and no recourse,” said Kantrow-Vázquez, who has covered Puerto Rico’s economy for more than 30 years. “Our 15,000 followers have lost access to critical business news updates, and plans to support local companies through advertising campaigns on our page face immediate financial disruption.”
The suspended accounts were the only ones with administrative access to the outlet’s Facebook presence, effectively blocking publication of new content.
NIMB said it has operated for 15 years without Facebook policy violations and maintains verification through other platforms. It covers Puerto Rico’s economic developments, including government contracts, business openings and financial sector news not reported elsewhere on the island.
Founded in 2010, News is my Business has reported for 15 years without Facebook policy violations, Kantrow-Vázquez said. The site covers Puerto Rico’s economic developments, including government contracts, business openings and financial sector news not widely reported elsewhere.
Impact beyond a single outlet
Press freedom advocates have raised concerns about large technology companies’ influence over local news, particularly in communities with few alternative sources.
“When Meta disables local news accounts without transparent processes, entire communities lose vital information sources,” Kantrow-Vázquez said. “Puerto Rico’s business sector depends on our coverage for investment decisions and economic planning.”
She has appealed the suspension through Meta’s standard process but has received no response or timeline.
Sorry about this. I hope the problem can be solved soon
Tras el bloqueo inesperado de la página y la cuenta personal asociada, sugiero un plan de acción en 3 niveles: soporte oficial, presión externa y resiliencia digital.
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1. Acción inmediata: Escalar en los canales oficiales de Meta
Recomendamos documentar y centralizar toda la evidencia (capturas, ID enviado, fechas). Una vez listo:
Abrir un caso en el Meta Business Help Center:
https://www.facebook.com/business/help
Acceder a Meta Business Support (disponible para administradores de anuncios):
https://business.facebook.com/business/help/support
Completar el formulario de apelación de cuentas restringidas:
https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/571927962827151
Contactar el Meta Journalism Project, indicando que son un medio con 15 años de trayectoria en Puerto Rico:
https://www.facebook.com/journalismproject
Si la fundadora está verificada, usar el canal de Meta Verified Support (respuesta prioritaria):
https://www.facebook.com/help/372429999469263
Revisar recursos en Meta for Media para periodistas y medios:
https://www.facebook.com/formedia
⚡ Consejo: Abrir varios casos en paralelo acelera el proceso.
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2. Acción estratégica: Presión externa y respaldo público
Mientras Meta responde, recomendamos:
Contactar organizaciones de prensa: CPJ, RSF, SIP y el CPI en Puerto Rico.
Publicar un comunicado en el website y newsletter explicando la situación.
Usar otros canales sociales (X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Threads) con hashtags: #FreedomOfThePress #PuertoRico #NewsSilenced.
Invitar a la audiencia (15,000 seguidores) a apoyar compartiendo el comunicado y presionando en redes.
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3. Acción de resiliencia: Continuidad del medio
Enviar un boletín urgente a la lista de suscriptores explicando dónde seguir la cobertura diaria.
Activar LinkedIn y Twitter/X como canales principales de actualización.
Explorar WhatsApp Broadcast o Telegram para mantener conexión directa con la comunidad.
Aumentar inversión en SEO, Google News y email marketing para no depender únicamente de Facebook.
Gracias. Hemos hecho mucho de lo que sugiere. Agradecemos los consejos.