Purpose
Step-by-step internal workflow to report and remove defamation and/or harassment content on Instagram. Includes live reporting URLs, appeal processes, and an internal timetable for resolution. Plain internal format for PAIL® use.
A. Pre-Report Evidence Capture (Day 0)
Capture the evidence before reporting — preserve URLs, context, and identifiers.
- Capture URLs and permalinks (open the item, copy the share/permalink URL).
- Take full-frame screenshots (include handle, timestamp, and any counts). Name files with ISO date + platform + ref (e.g.,
2025-11-05_IG_R1.png). - Save a PDF print of the page/thread where possible.
- Record metadata in Mapping workbook (Ref ID, URL, poster handle, date/time, alleged statements, severity).
- Preserve evidence: do not engage with the post; avoid tipping off the poster before capture is complete.
B. Reporting Ground (Defamation / Harassment / Privacy)
Classify the issue correctly — it determines the reporting path and escalation language.
Defamation False statements of fact causing serious harm (Defamation Act 2013 s.1).
Harassment Course of conduct causing alarm/distress (Protection from Harassment Act 1997 s.2A).
Privacy / Doxxing Posting private information, images, addresses, phone numbers (platform privacy rules).
C. Report Submission — Instagram
Use the in-app route first, then the Help Centre route for follow-ups / context.
In-app: Post → ••• → Report → “It’s inappropriate” → select “Bullying or harassment” / “Hate speech or symbols” / “False information”.
Help Center (Report Something): https://help.instagram.com/165828726894770
Harassment & bullying policy: https://help.instagram.com/517920941588885
D. Appeal / Re-review
Re-review is usually triggered from the decision notice — document everything.
Use the decision notification to request review where available. For repeated abuse, block user and submit follow-ups referencing prior Case IDs.
E. Legal / Escalation Channel
Escalate when severity is high or platform response is non-existent / inconsistent.
If severe and unresolved, send legal notice to Meta (Instagram) with exhibits (I-IDs). Some categories have dedicated forms via Help Center.
F. Internal Timetable (Target)
A simple cadence ensures consistency and reduces “dropped thread” risk.
- Day 0: Capture evidence; report; log Case ID.
- Day 3: Follow-up via Help Center; add context/screenshots.
- Day 7: Escalate internally for legal notice to Meta if warranted.
- Day 14: Consider injunction/NPO if harassment persists.
G. Record-Keeping Checklist
Maintain an audit trail — essential for repeat abuse and escalation.
□ Ref ID mapped to URL/screenshots □ Case ID logged □ Decision notes filed
□ Follow-ups dated □ Mapping.xlsx updated
Need structured platform enforcement?
If a matter involves repeated reposting, impersonation, coordinated harassment, or cross-platform replication, enforcement is usually a workflow — not a one-off report.
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