Meta has acknowledged that some Instagram users are experiencing a decrease in their follower counts as the platform undertakes a routine process of removing inactive accounts. This issue, first reported by Indian and international media on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, has led to a significant reduction in followers for numerous accounts, particularly those of celebrities. The developments initially fueled speculation about mass account deletions, bot account purges, or potential glitches. A Meta spokesperson clarified that active followers are not impacted and any erroneously removed suspended accounts will be reinstated after verification. This situation has raised concerns among users who depend on professional and business accounts for content monetization, fearing data loss and audience diminishment.