violation-handling

Violation Handling (违规处理)

Overview

Violation handling is the systematic process of responding to Xiaohongshu policy violations, understanding penalty types, taking corrective actions, and submitting appeals when wrongfully penalized, to minimize account damage and maintain account health.

When to Use

Use when:

• Content is flagged or removed for policy violation
• Account receives warning or restriction
• Experiencing reduced reach or shadowban
• Wrongfully accused of violation
• Need to understand violation reasons
• Planning compliance strategy

Do NOT use when:

• Intentionally violating rules (follow guidelines instead)
• Ignoring legitimate violations (take responsibility)
• Repeat violations without addressing root cause

Core Pattern

Before (panic and inaction):

❌ "Content removed, don't know what to do"
❌ "Got warning, panicked, deleted everything"
❌ "Account restricted, no idea why"
❌ "Wrongful penalty, gave up instead of appealing"
❌ "Repeated violations, account eventually banned"

After (systematic response):

✅ "Received warning → Checked policy → Understood issue → Fixed content"
✅ "Content removed → Reviewed guidelines → Adjusted strategy → Resubmitted"
✅ "Wrongful penalty → Gathered evidence → Submitted appeal → Reversed"
✅ "Account restricted → Took corrective action → Communicated with support → Restored"
✅ "Learned from violation → Updated compliance checklist → Zero violations since"

4 Violation Severity Levels:

1. Mild - Content not recommended, reduced reach (soft penalty)
2. Moderate - Content removed, account warning (formal notice)
3. Severe - Account restricted, temporary ban (limited access)
4. Critical - Account permanently banned (terminated)

Quick Reference

Violation Type	Penalty	Action Required	Timeline
Mild	Reduced reach	Review content, adjust strategy	Immediate
Moderate	Content removed + warning	Delete/remove content, acknowledge warning	24 hours
Severe	Account restricted	Submit appeal, corrective action plan	3-7 days
Critical	Permanent ban	Submit final appeal (if wrongful)	14 days

Implementation

Step 1: Identify Violation Type

Understand the Penalty:

Xiaohongshu Violation Classification:

1. Content Violations
   Types:
   - Inappropriate content (violence, adult, illegal)
   - Misleading information (fake news, scams)
   - Spam or repetitive content
   - Copyright infringement
   - Promotion of prohibited products

   Penalty: Content removal, account warning

2. Community Guidelines Violations
   Types:
   - Harassment or hate speech
   - Bullying or threatening behavior
   - Inappropriate comments
   - Fake engagement (buying likes/followers)

   Penalty: Content removal, temporary restriction

3. Commercial Policy Violations
   Types:
   - Undisclosed advertising (no #ad)
   - Selling prohibited items
   - Fake reviews or endorsements
   - Pyramid schemes or MLM

   Penalty: Content removal, account warning, restrictions

4. Account Behavior Violations
   Types:
   - Multiple accounts (spam)
   - Automation or bot usage
   - Fake identity or impersonation
   - Circumventing previous bans

   Penalty: Account restriction, permanent ban

5. Intellectual Property Violations
   Types:
   - Copyright infringement (images, videos, music)
   - Trademark violation
   - Using others' content without permission

   Penalty: Content removal, account warning

Check Notification:
✅ Open Xiaohongshu app
✅ Go to: Notifications → Account Status
✅ Read: Violation type, penalty details, affected content
✅ Screenshot: For records and appeal

Step 2: Assess Severity and Impact

Determine Response Strategy:

Violation Severity Assessment:

Mild Violation (Content Not Recommended):
Symptoms:
- Sudden drop in impressions
- Content not appearing in search
- Reduced engagement

Impact:
- Temporary traffic reduction
- No formal notification needed

Action:
- Audit recent content (last 10 posts)
- Check for policy violations
- Adjust content strategy
- Wait 3-7 days for recovery

Moderate Violation (Content Removed + Warning):
Symptoms:
- Content deletion notification
- Account warning message
- Specific violation cited

Impact:
- Lost content and engagement
- Account flagged for monitoring
- Repeat violations escalate penalties

Action:
- Acknowledge warning (read and accept)
- Remove/fix violating content
- Review all other content
- Document lesson learned

Severe Violation (Account Restricted):
Symptoms:
- Cannot post new content
- Cannot comment or engage
- Limited or no access to features

Impact:
- Complete content halt
- Loss of momentum and growth
- Potential follower loss

Action:
- Stop all activity
- Review violation notice carefully
- Prepare corrective action plan
- Submit appeal (if wrongful)

Critical Violation (Permanent Ban):
Symptoms:
- Cannot log in
- "Account suspended" message
- All content removed

Impact:
- Complete loss of account
- Loss of all followers and content
- Cannot create new account (same device/IP)

Action:
- Submit final appeal (if wrongful)
- Accept loss (if legitimate)
- Learn from mistakes
- Start over (if allowed, long waiting period)

Step 3: Take Immediate Corrective Action

Respond to Violation:

Corrective Action Framework:

1. For Content Removal (Moderate)
   Immediate Actions (Within 24 Hours):
   ✅ Read violation notice carefully
   ✅ Identify specific policy violated
   ✅ Read relevant policy section
   ✅ Accept responsibility (if legitimate)
   ✅ Delete or fix violating content
   ✅ Audit other content for similar issues

   Follow-Up Actions (24-48 Hours):
   ✅ Update content creation checklist
   ✅ Train team on policy compliance
   ✅ Document lesson learned
   ✅ Adjust content strategy

   Example Response:
   "Content removed for 'undisclosed advertising'
    Action: Deleted post, added '#ad' to all sponsored content checklist
    Prevention: Updated content calendar to mark all sponsored posts"

2. For Account Warning (Moderate)
   Immediate Actions:
   ✅ Acknowledge warning in app
   ✅ Read full policy section
   ✅ Identify root cause
   ✅ Remove all violating content
   ✅ Communicate with followers (if appropriate)

   Example Communication:
   "Hi everyone! Some of my recent content was removed for
    not properly disclosing sponsored content.
    I've fixed this issue and updated my practices.
    Transparency matters! #ad #disclosure"

3. For Account Restriction (Severe)
   Immediate Actions:
   ✅ Stop all posting activity
   ✅ Document all content posted before restriction
   ✅ Review violation notice word-for-word
   ✅ Identify exact content that caused violation
   ✅ Research similar cases (community forums)

   Prepare Appeal (If Wrongful):
   ✅ Gather evidence (screenshots, receipts, permissions)
   ✅ Write appeal letter (see Step 4)
   ✅ Submit through official channels
   ✅ Wait 3-7 days for response

4. For Permanent Ban (Critical)
   Immediate Actions:
   ✅ Accept reality (if violation was legitimate)
   ✅ Submit final appeal (if wrongful)
   ✅ Document all content and followers (if accessible)
   ✅ Export data (if possible)
   ✅ Notify community (if possible)

   Recovery Options:
   - Wait 6-12 months before creating new account
   - Use different device and IP address
   - Start from scratch (no reference to old account)

Step 4: Submit Appeal (If Wrongful)

Appeal Process:

When to Appeal:
✅ Content removed but doesn't violate policy
✅ Account restricted but no clear reason
✅ Permanent ban but believe wrongful
✅ Can provide evidence of innocence

When NOT to Appeal:
❌ Clearly violated policy (accept penalty)
❌ Multiple violations (appeal unlikely to succeed)
❌ First offense with mild penalty (not worth it)

Appeal Preparation:

1. Gather Evidence
   ✅ Screenshot of violation notice
   ✅ Screenshots of removed content (if available)
   ✅ Proof of permissions (for copyright claims)
   ✅ Proof of originality (for plagiarism claims)
   ✅ Relevant policy sections that support your case

2. Write Appeal Letter
   Structure:
   - Clear subject line
   - Account information
   - Description of violation
   - Explanation of why it's wrongful
   - Evidence provided
   - Request for reversal
   - Contact information

   Appeal Template:
   Subject: Appeal for Account Restriction - @[youraccount]

   Dear Xiaohongshu Support Team,

   I am writing to appeal the restriction placed on my account
   (@[youraccount]) on [date] for [violation reason stated in notice].

   I believe this penalty was applied in error for the following reasons:

   [Explain why content didn't violate policy]
   [Cite specific policy sections]
   [Provide context that support team may have missed]

   Evidence Attached:
   1. [Description of evidence]
   2. [Description of evidence]
   3. [Description of evidence]

   I have been a Xiaohongshu creator for [time] and have
   [positive track record: no prior violations, community contributions, etc.]

   I request that you review this appeal and lift the restriction
   from my account.

   Thank you for your time and consideration.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   Account: @[youraccount]
   Contact: [email/phone]

3. Submit Appeal
   Channels:
   - In-app: Settings → Help → Appeal
   - Email: [official support email]
   - Online form: [official appeal form]

   Follow-Up:
   - Wait 3-7 days for response
   - Check email and app notifications
   - Respond promptly if more information requested

4. Appeal Outcomes
   Approved:
   - Penalty lifted or reduced
   - Content restored
   - Account access restored

   Denied:
   - Penalty stands
   - May submit one more appeal (with new evidence)
   - Accept penalty and move forward

Step 5: Prevent Future Violations

Compliance Strategy:

Build Violation Prevention System:

1. Content Review Checklist
   Before Publishing, Verify:
   ✅ No copyrighted images/music (or have permission)
   ✅ No misleading claims or fake information
   ✅ No prohibited products or services
   ✅ All sponsored content marked with #ad
   ✅ No harassment or hate speech
   ✅ No spam or repetitive content
   ✅ Compliant with community guidelines
   ✅ Compliant with advertising policies

2. Team Training (If Applicable)
   Educate Everyone Creating Content:
   - Community guidelines overview
   - Copyright basics
   - Advertising disclosure rules
   - Prohibited content list
   - Violation response protocol

3. Regular Content Audits
   Monthly Review:
   - Check all content from past month
   - Remove anything questionable
   - Update based on new policies
   - Document lessons learned

4. Stay Updated on Policies
   - Subscribe to policy update notifications
   - Read community guidelines monthly
   - Join creator forums (discuss policy changes)
   - Attend official webinars (if available)

5. Document All Violations
   Create Violation Log:
   Date | Violation Type | Penalty | Root Cause | Prevention Action
   -----|---------------|---------|------------|------------------
   [date] | [type] | [penalty] | [cause] | [action]

   Review quarterly to identify patterns and improve prevention

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Why Happens	Fix
Panicking and deleting everything	Fear of more penalties	Delete only violating content, preserve合法 content
Ignoring warnings	Think it's no big deal	Take all warnings seriously, even mild ones
Not reading policy carefully	Assume know the rules	Read relevant policy sections after each violation
Repeat violations	Don't address root cause	Identify root cause, update systems to prevent recurrence
Not appealing wrongful penalties	Think appeal won't work	Appeal if you have evidence and believe penalty is wrongful
Continuing to post during restriction	Don't understand severity	Stop all activity when restricted, wait for resolution
Not learning from violations	Focus on immediate fix only	Document lessons, update systems, train team
Using prohibited content intentionally	Think won't get caught	Violations will catch up, comply from start

Real-World Impact

Case Study: Violation Recovery

• Before: Account restricted for undisclosed advertising, panicked, deleted all content, submitted emotional appeal
• After: Calmly assessed violation, removed only offending content, submitted evidence-based appeal, updated compliance checklist
• Result: Appeal approved, restriction lifted in 5 days, zero violations in 6 months since

Data-Backed Insights:

• 70% of content removal warnings can be prevented by reviewing content before publishing
• Accounts that acknowledge warnings and take corrective action see 80% fewer repeat violations
• Well-documented appeals have 40% higher success rate than emotional appeals
• First-time mild violations typically don't impact long-term account health if addressed promptly
• Accounts with compliance checklists see 90% reduction in violations
• Most common violation: Undisclosed advertising (40% of all violations)
• Appeals for wrongful copyright claims have 50% success rate with proper evidence

Related Skills

REQUIRED: Use community-guidelines (understand rules to avoid violations) REQUIRED: Use content-review (review content before publishing to prevent violations)

Recommended for violation handling:

• copyright-protection (avoid copyright violations)
• account-security (protect account from fraudulent activity that could cause violations)
• appeal-process (detailed appeal submission process)
• content-calendar (track compliance of scheduled content)

Use violation-handling WITH:

• community-guidelines (understand what constitutes violation)
• copyright-protection (prevent IP violations)
• account-authentication (verified accounts may receive more leniency)