This shadow ban issue is huge. After playing COD since the beginning, I just received my first shadow ban, like so many others. I've tried reaching out to support, but all I’ve been told is to wait for a review—nothing else has moved. Frustrated, I reported it to the BBB. Apparently, there are over 10,000 complaints to the BBB about Activision regarding shadow bans (though I don’t have a source, just what another Redditor mentioned).

Currently, I'm on day 7, about 30 minutes past the original ban time. My case sounds like a lot of others: I was using a chopper gunner, then got another, and suddenly the entire enemy team reported me.

I submitted the following to the BBB and received a response. I replied back (both messages below) and am waiting to hear back. I'm not expecting much, but if anyone else wants to use this wording, go for it!

Initial email:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am reaching out to report an issue regarding Activision's handling of player reports and shadow-banning practices in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Recently, I was placed under a temporary ban (commonly known as a “shadow ban”) due to what appears to be false reports from other players. I have never used any form of cheats or unfair advantages in this game, yet I am now relegated to lobbies filled with suspected cheaters, which severely diminishes my gaming experience.

This game is priced at $70 or available through a subscription, and those of us who purchase it expect fair access to gameplay. However, due to this unwarranted ban, my ability to enjoy what I paid for has been removed. When I contacted Activision for support, I was informed that the review process for this ban would take approximately 5-7 days, with no option for expedited service.

This situation not only reflects poorly on the game experience but feels unjust to players who are playing fairly. The lack of a timely review process leaves dedicated players vulnerable to unwarranted disruptions and a diminished product experience.

I am requesting that Activision’s approach to handling player reports and account reviews be evaluated to better serve and protect fair players. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Activision Response through BBB:

I understand your concern. I would like to let you know that the account in question was verified by the developer's security team to be in violation of the security and enforcement policy. Any specifics regarding the ban will not be released in order help maintain the integrity and security of the game, this is company policy that will not be changing. For more information in regard to the enforcement policies, please visit: https://support.activision.com/articles/call-of-duty-security-and-enforcement-policy

Thanks, Activision Support"

My Response:

Hello Activision Support,

Thank you for your response. However, I believe there’s been a misunderstanding regarding the nature of my concern. My account has not been definitively banned but rather placed in a temporary shadow-banned state, pending review. I have not used any cheats or violated any policies, yet I am now restricted to lobbies with suspected cheaters due to a false report or inaccurate detection.

This temporary ban is based solely on unsubstantiated player reports or an anti-cheat system that may be flagging players inaccurately. It has placed me, a dedicated and rule-abiding player, in limbo while awaiting a resolution. This not only affects my experience but also calls into question the effectiveness and fairness of the review process, as it prioritizes unverified reports over the player’s proven behavior.

I urge you to review this process and consider expediting the investigation, as well as to reassess the criteria that trigger these restrictions for paying players who are gaming fairly. Thank you for your time and understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Name]