AI bots are locking Australians out of their social media accounts with little chance of appeal, sparking hundreds of complaintsLocked out by AI: Calls grow for independent referee to tackle social media disputesAustralians need a social media referee to reinstate accounts unfairly shut down by artificial intelligence bots, a regulator warns, following hundreds of complaints. The call follows a similar recommendation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in its Digital Platforms inquiry, as social media experts warn the issue is likely to worsen if not tackled. Consumers are frustrated because they are hitting AI brick walls when they need help with their social media accounts. Social media complaints currently fell outside the ombudsman’s jurisdiction, McCarthy said, although the regulator would be capable of creating a scheme fit for the job if required. Australian regulations restricting social media platforms to users over the age of 16 are due to take effect on December 10.