Meta cracks down on buying and selling Instagram usernames with a new lawsuit

Core Points - Meta is intensifying its legal actions against the buying and selling of Instagram accounts and unauthorized account reinstatement services, marking the first time such actions have been taken in the US [1][7] - The lawsuits target individuals who allegedly violated Instagram's terms of service by offering these services, with specific cases filed against Daniel Folger and Idriss Qibaa [2][4] Group 1: Legal Actions - Meta filed a lawsuit against Daniel Folger for selling Instagram usernames and unauthorized reinstatement services, with prices ranging from $700 to$50,000 [2][7] - The lawsuit against Folger claims he conspired with a Meta contractor to misuse internal appeal channels to reinstate disabled accounts [3] - A similar lawsuit was filed against Idriss Qibaa for selling unauthorized Instagram services, including account reinstatement and fake engagement services [4][7] Group 2: Market Context - The underground market for Instagram services has been reported previously, with users trading monetization-eligible accounts and facing issues like ransom and harassment [6] - Meta's recent lawsuits indicate a stricter enforcement approach against the most egregious offenders in this underground market [7]