One of our Google Ads clients recently logged into their Facebook Ads interface to see the changes following the update and rebranding to Meta For Business (spoiler alert, it’s an even worse experience than before.) Unfortunately for them, they experienced error #1885260 when attempting to update existing or create new Facebook Ads.

What Causes Facebook Ads Error #1885260

If you receive Facebook Error #1885260 that states:

Ad operation failed: This ad contains or refers to content that has been blocked by our security systems.

It is because the user logged-in to the Facebook/Meta for Business interface has had their personal account suspended or restricted. Facebook requires business access be given to an actual user, which in many cases will simply be the personal account of the IT manager, marketing assistant, or other party responsible for posting ads and managing the business page.

This is a simple enough answer, but when first tasked with solving it, we entered a week’s long quagmire of Facebook Concierge incompetence that only ended when we ourselves solved the issue. This is because when in the Business interface, the error message does not identify the cause of the issue, nor provide you with any steps to remedy the issue. Facebook Concierge staff are also apparently at a loss as to the cause of this error code, and simply respond with boilerplate responses until you give up in frustration, or the account restriction lapses. Searching online for answers was also fruitless, as while there are a few posts asking about this error, there are no answers available.

This user has been prevented from making changes to their business account page because a post by their private account in an unrelated group was flagged as inappropriate. This is also called being put into Facebook Jail or Zucc’d, and is becoming an ever larger issue as Facebook’s own security AI becomes increasingly aggressive in flagging content that is undesireable or violates their Terms of Service or Community Standards.

While the user at fault will very clearly be notified of their restriction and the effects it has on their personal account, it is neither spelled out in the Facebook notice, nor potentially intuitive, that this also applies to not just business pages, but also to paid ads (which each undergo moderation before being posted anyway).

My Personal Account is Restricted, What Can I Do to Keep Posting Ads?

Short answer? Not a whole lot. The good news is that restrictions typically escalate over time, and start with warnings and short-term bans. In the case above, previous restrictions did not flag any issues with the business interface, as they were short term and the account in question was an infrequent user. Depending on the length of the suspension, there are a few options you can pursue:

1. Wait it out. While initial violations may simply result in a warning, others may be short term, like 24-72 hours. You’re better off taking a break and coming back when it’s over, as Facebook Concierge is unlikely to even come close to helping you in this timeframe
2. Use a different account. Have a colleague added as an admin or user to the business account, and have them manage posts and ads for the time being. Avoid creating a second account for yourself, as this is also against Facebook’s rules and you may dig into an even deeper hole if caught.
3. Appeal directly. When receiving a restriction notice, you will typically be given the option to appeal in the same notice. Unfortunately, this is typically a single-click option without any ability to explain your reasoning, and the likelihood of success is slim.
4. Appeal to the Oversight Board. If your initial appeal is rejected, you have the option of appealing to the Oversight Board. Here you can plead your case directly, explaining your reasoning and offering a defense, complete witih evidence. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee your case will be heard.
5. Reconsider with Identity Confirmation. If your account has been completely disabled, your last opportunity is to file for reconsideration by confirming your identity.

Unfortunately, if you are responsible for pages and accounts, you need to tread lightly with what you post even on your personal profile. While Facebook is a major social network with a huge marketing reach, it is also a business which is entitled to uphold its own standards on who and what to allow on their platform.