Hi there. When you use an online service, such as a game or website, you agree to be bound by their terms of service. Sometimes this agreement is made obvious (e.g. by clicking “Agree” on a pop up screen) and other times you are deemed to agree to the terms of service simply by continuing to use the platform. The terms of service are usually made available on the website or platform.

By using the free-to-play game, you agreed to be bound by its terms of service. You should check the terms to see if they give the provider the authority to ban users from the platform if they are suspected of using unauthorised third party software. If so, the service provider had the right to ban you. The same rule would apply even if you paid for the service.

If the terms do not give the service provider this power, or if you do not believe you actually did breach the terms, you may have been banned improperly. Your best chance of resolving the issue is by contacting the service provider directly. It is very unlikely they will pay you compensation unless you can prove that you have suffered loss or harm as a result of their conduct.

Suggested way forward

You should start by trying to resolve the issue directly with the service provider. If this is unsuccessful, you may want to speak to a lawyer who can help resolve your problem. By pressing the “Consult a Lawyer” button, LawAdvisor can help you search for experienced lawyers and obtain fee proposals for their services. Costs for legal advice and representation will vary between providers based on experience and the scope of services.