Hundreds of small businesses ask for help after losing access to Facebook, Instagram and more

Small business disputes with digital platforms like Facebook are the fastest-growing complaint category faced by small business ombudsman Bruce Billson, who says his office has heard 140 cases in the past six months alone.

Businesses are struggling to regain access and control of their social media pages after they are hacked, according to a new report by the ABC.

Speaking to the broadcaster, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) said his office frequently hears from business owners frustrated by the lacklustre level of support and customer service offered by major social media platforms like Facebook.

Business owners are “exasperated” by the time they contact the ASBFEO, Billson said, as many had tried and failed to recover their accounts by petitioning Facebook directly.