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You can also limit off-Facebook activity tracking by going to Settings > Your Facebook Information > Off-Facebook Activity and clearing the history and turning off future tracking. Under GDPR (if you are in Ireland/EU), you have the right to object to this type of profiling for advertising purposes via Meta’s Privacy Centre. This won’t eliminate all ads but should reduce hyper-localised targeting significantly.
Facebook can infer your location even without GPS access, using your IP address, Wi-Fi network, and other device signals. Disabling location in the app only stops precise GPS tracking — it does not stop IP-based location inference. To reduce location-based ad targeting, go to Settings > Ad Preferences > Ad Settings and turn off “Ads based on your precise location” and review what location data is being used.
If you want to go beyond just downloading your data — for example, to request deletion or object to how Meta processes your data — you can submit a formal request through Meta’s Privacy Centre at facebook.com/privacy/center. As an EU/Irish resident, Meta’s data controller is Meta Platforms Ireland Limited. If Meta fails to respond adequately, you can escalate the complaint to the Data Protection Commission (DPC) Ireland at dataprotection.ie.
Under GDPR, you have the right to request a copy of all personal data Meta holds about you. For Facebook, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information. You can select specific data categories, date ranges, and file format. Meta is required to respond within 30 days of receiving a valid request. This covers data held by Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger.
Useful features to set up early include automated greeting messages (sent when a customer contacts you for the first time), away messages (outside business hours), and quick replies for common questions. If your business grows and you need to message many customers at scale, look into the WhatsApp Business API through a verified BSP (Business Solution Provider) — that is the more advanced route for larger operations.
WhatsApp Business works fine in Ireland and is free to download from the App Store or Google Play. Download the WhatsApp Business app (separate from the regular WhatsApp), register with your business phone number, and fill in your business profile — name, address, website, business hours, and a description. You can use the same number as your regular WhatsApp but not simultaneously on both apps.
If you are on a VoIP number (like Google Voice or a virtual SIM), WhatsApp may not send codes to those numbers at all. You would need to use a standard mobile number in that case. Also check that Do Not Disturb mode is off and that any call-blocking apps are not interfering. If none of these work, contact WhatsApp support through the app settings under Help > Contact Us.
If WhatsApp is not sending your SMS verification code, first make sure you have a signal and that your number can receive texts from international shortcodes. Wait at least 10 minutes before requesting a new code, as too many requests will temporarily block you. Then try the “Call me” option instead — WhatsApp will call your number and read the code out loud, which often works when SMS fails.
Common reasons for bans include using unofficial WhatsApp apps (like GB WhatsApp or WhatsApp Plus), sending bulk or automated messages, or being reported by many users. If you were using a third-party app, uninstall it and switch to the official WhatsApp before appealing. If the ban was due to reports, explain your situation honestly in the appeal — accounts that were wrongly reported are often reinstated.
When WhatsApp bans an account, you’ll see a message saying “Your phone number is banned from using WhatsApp.” There’s a “Support” link directly on that screen — tap it to submit a ban appeal. Provide your phone number with country code and explain that you believe the ban was a mistake. WhatsApp’s support team reviews these and can lift bans that were applied in error.
Once you’re back in, change your password immediately to something strong and unique. Also revoke access to any third-party apps connected to your account via Settings > Security > Apps and Websites — these are a common source of suspicious activity flags. Enabling two-factor authentication will significantly reduce the chance of this happening again.
Instagram flags suspicious activity when it detects logins from unusual locations, multiple failed login attempts, or behaviour that looks like automation. Start by completing the verification step Instagram prompts you with — usually confirming your email or phone. Then go to Settings > Security > Login Activity and log out of any sessions you don’t recognise.
Keep in mind that repeated copyright strikes can result in your account being restricted or removed. If the claimant used an automated system to file the strike, disputes are often successful when you can clearly show original ownership. Save any proof of your content creation — original project files, timestamps, screenshots — in case Instagram asks for supporting evidence during the review.
If you received a false copyright strike on your Instagram Reel, you can dispute it directly in the app. Go to your professional dashboard or the notification about the strike, and look for a “Dispute” or “Request review” option. You will need to explain why you believe your content does not infringe copyright — for example, if you own the content, have a licence, or the use qualifies as fair use.
As an alternative, switch to email-based verification if your email is still accessible — go to “Get more help” on the login screen and choose the email option. If you have a backup authentication app (like Google Authenticator) linked to your account, that will work too. If all else fails and you cannot get in, use the “Need more help?” path which leads to Instagram’s identity verification process.
