google disabled my account for commenting on YouTube video

501 votes

Under IT Act, 2000 (Section 67B) in India, any material connected to CSAM — even searching, viewing, or commenting — is a punishable offence. Tech companies like Google are “intermediaries.” Law obligates them to immediately disable accounts flagged for CSAM-related content and report to authorities if necessary. They have zero discretion when CSAM is suspected — even a “discussion” or “warning” about CSAM in comments can be treated as a red flag. The dark web is widely associated with illegal marketplaces, CSAM trade, and other prohibited content. So when you combined “dark web” with a CSAM-related comment, Google likely treated it as high-risk, regardless of your actual intention. Google has broad powers under its Terms of Service and Community Guidelines to suspend or disable accounts if they believe there is a violation, especially relating to Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Any reference, comment, or association with CSAM is treated with zero tolerance, even if your intention was different. CSAM is an extremely sensitive legal issue. Courts will not favor reinstatement if Google acted under mandatory reporting obligations (per POCSO Act & IT Act, 2000). First exhaust Google’s appeal process. If appeal fails, you may issue a legal notice to Google India (or Google LLC) demanding restoration, citing lack of fair opportunity if you believe you were wrongly flagged. If you challenge this legally, courts will scrutinize whether your comment could be seen as glorifying, searching for, or indirectly facilitating CSAM.

Advocate Sanil Sarkar LawRato

623 votes

Check your email: Google should have sent you a message explaining why your account was disabled. Read the policy: Review Google's account policies, especially around YouTube comments. Submit an appeal: Go to the Google Account Help Appeal Form. Log in (if possible) or provide the disabled account's email. Write clearly that your account was disabled after a YouTube comment, and explain why you believe it was a mistake. Wait for review: Appeals usually take a few days to a couple of weeks. Google will email you their decision.

Advocate Mahrukh Khan LawRato

976 votes

Well, you first raise an Appeal against the decision by which you have aggrieved! If they won't resolve your issue, then, we can send them a Legal Notice first! If things won't get sorted even after sending Legal Notice, then, we will file a case.

Advocate Pankaj Bajaj LawRato