Google bans are permanent, not for 10 years | Fact check

BrieAnna J. Frank, USA TODAY
Updated ·3 min read

The claim: Image shows a Google statement informing user of a 10-year ban

A July 3 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) includes an image that appears to show a statement from Google.

“you (sic) have been banned from Google,” the message reads. “Due to several requests from the United States Government on the topics you have been searching over the last 5 years, we have decided to take action. You no longer have permission to use Google, nor make a new Gmail account under your name.”

It goes on to inform the user that they can resume using Google on June 26, 2033.

The post was shared more than 1,300 times in a week. Other versions of the claim amassed thousands of additional interactions on Instagram, Twitter and Reddit.

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Our rating: Altered

The image is not a legitimate Google communication, the company told USA TODAY. Google typically notifies users of government requests before action is taken or information is disclosed. Accounts are disabled permanently – not for 10 years – unless the user wins an appeal, which would allow their account to be immediately reinstated.

Message is not authentic, says Google

Google told USA TODAY it is 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.”

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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.

It also outlines violations for its search feature, which include spam and content that is hateful, terroristic or violent.

Accounts are also disabled permanently, not for a set period of time. Users can appeal to have their account reinstated, which will occur immediately if their appeal is successful.

Stock image.
Stock image.

The purported screenshot mentions government requests but appears to confuse account penalties with government information requests.

Governments may request that Google provide certain user information. However, the company states its policy is to notify the user of such a request before any information is disclosed except in cases of emergencies or legal requirements.

Google states in its terms of service that the government must issue a subpoena in all legal cases in which it is requesting information from the company. In criminal cases, it must also have a court order and search warrant. Google may respond by disclosing the information, narrowing the request to limit the information that is disclosed or providing no information and rejecting the request.

Other elements of the image suggest it isn't legitimate, including the "you" not being capitalized at the start of the message and the trademark symbol at the end of "Google," which is not used in the company's official communications.

USA TODAY reached out to several users who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No, viral image does not show Google message banning user | Fact check