Diabetes user groups on Facebook being shut down

[Bill_St]

A number of Facebook peer support groups have been suddenly shut down by Facebook both in the U.K. and elsewhere. Some of these have tens of thousands of active members and have been running for a number of years.
The reason given is copyright infringement of the name “Freestyle Libre”.
A company claiming to act on behalf of Abbott has made complaints to Facebook.

Abbott has been supportive to independent support groups over the years and I would hope they would support diabetes.co.uk
Objecting to the use of the name Libre would seem perverse.

I do wonder if some other commercial interest is behind this
We must take care that commercial interests do not compromise diabetes peer group support.

Has Abbott taken note of action being taken against their User Groups in Facebook giving the impression that Abbott is taking or instigating this action?
It does not look good for Abbott reputation.
See https://www.diabettech.com/abbott-freestyle-libre/abbotts-takedown-shakedown-no-libre-no-more/
Why should a highly respected and helpful peer support group such as Abbott Freestyle Users with many thousands of active customers be taken down when another group selling libre and very critical of Abbott, Abbott Freestyle Users - Issues, remains active for some years?

 

[Jaylee]

This is interesting,

It seems the company Brandshield” deals with IP breach the same or similar way a company like Aura which takes down personal data exposure?

 

[Jasmin2000]

Can't blame them if there are constant misrepresentations of their product in a group using a name that sounds like it has their blessing. The solution would be for them to set up an official group or website for Q&A, but of course that costs money. I expect they've warned other social media outlets like Reddit and X too. Hopefully, the groups can be reborn without copyright infringement - shouldn't be difficult really.

 

[Jaylee]

Can't blame them if there are constant misrepresentations of their product in a group using a name that sounds like it has their blessing. The solution would be for them to set up an official group or website for Q&A, but of course that costs money. I expect they've warned other social media outlets like Reddit and X too. Hopefully, the groups can be reborn without copyright infringement - shouldn't be difficult really.

Some of these closed groups on FB also include some clever developers utilising Libres & expanding on the still existing limitations with an interface & other add ons making the sensor even more functional as a tool in everyday life?

YouTube takes copyrite strikes pretty serous to, as it stands..
There has been some great tutorials from real Diabetics

lol, I saw a post on Reddit where someone posted a Photo of a Libre sensor in their open palm…
They found it in their car..
They asked, “is this an air tag??”
The responses unanimously told the OP to throw it & thoroughly wash his hands.

 

[Jasmin2000]

Some of these closed groups on FB also include some clever developers utilising Libres & expanding on the still existing limitations with an interface & other add ons making the sensor even more functional as a tool in everyday life?

YouTube takes copyrite strikes pretty serous to, as it stands..
There has been some great tutorials from real Diabetics

lol, I saw a post on Reddit where someone posted a Photo of a Libre sensor in their open palm…
They found it in their car..
They asked, “is this an air tag??”
The responses unanimously told the OP to throw it & thoroughly wash his hands.

I guess all forums have some experts and some out to make trouble, with the majority just seeking advice, but the copyright issue isn't going to solve anything or help anyone - not even Abbott, so I really expect those groups to be back up and running soon.

 

[Jaylee]

I guess all forums have some experts and some out to make trouble, with the majority just seeking advice, but the copyright issue isn't going to solve anything or help anyone - not even Abbott, so I really expect those groups to be back up and running soon.

All I know is after a little look at the closed groups I visit on occasions & the YouTube channels I’ve pinned.
Nothing has gone yet..
I’ll take it with a pinch of salt.

I do know a couple of years back the boffins at “GitHub.” Had the “Abbott boys” sent round?

Always a pleasure talking with you..

 

[Jasmin2000]

Had the “Abbott boys” sent round?

lol - there's a Netflix show here. A community dependent on drugs, corporate gangsters and billions in revenue run by a mysterious Abbot.

 

[Jaylee]

lol - there's a Netflix show here. A community dependent on drugs, corporate gangsters and billions in revenue run by a mysterious Abbot.

I see Abbott more a medical tech firm, than a “drug company?”

What blows my mind is how they release new (or the latest ) products.
Germany got the Libre 2 quite a while before the UK or any other region? (Within Europe.)
Then there was news of the smaller L3 with the same features as the L2.
But hey! There is the L2+ lasting for 15 days??

plus a “sideline” for the bio hackers…

I’m pretty happy with the L2 regarding using it as tool for my personal managment of this condition.

But quite frankly, it don’t seem Abbott can pull their act together regarding marketing, production & distribution??

Sorry, gotta go, just had a knock at the

 

[Antje77]

Tagging @tim2000s , can you share some more insights?
I've checked on Facebook, and as far as I can see all the groups with Libre in the name I joined are still there. (Not completely sure though, I'm definitely a member of way too many groups.)

 

[Jaylee]

Tagging @tim2000s , can you share some more insights?
I've checked on Facebook, and as far as I can see all the groups with Libre in the name I joined are still there. (Not completely sure though, I'm definitely a member of way too many groups.)

Hi @Antje77 ,

My groups on FB or pinned YouTube on the subject mentioning FL are still there..
The topic was started by @Bill_St . & @Jasmin2000 merely gave a view on the news…

Though, I would be grateful if you could jog my memory regarding the L2 only available in Germany on it’s initial release, back in the day?
I seem to remember only (edit for name correction) @Wurst commenting on having access to it? Whilst we held our breath…

 

[Jaylee]

Having said that. I do remember on face book with an old band setting up a page.
The band name after a while of establishment on FB (now disbanded.) was tapped up needing a proof of ID. It did get shut down to “no band…”
Also, some friends using nicknames were also having issue & complaining about it at the time..? (In the feeds.)
But this was probably 10 years back?

Oddly, the current band I’ve been a member of for 6 years on FB has had no issue..
Correction, 2 bands. The other one is still set up as an open group.

 

[Antje77]

The topic was started by @Bill_St . & @Jasmin2000 merely gave a view on the news…

I know, but as far as I know https://www.diabettech.com/ is a website still hosted by tim2000s, hence my tagging him to get the information and possible updates firsthand.

Though, I would be grateful if you could jog my memory regarding the L2 only available in Germany on it’s initial release, back in the day?
I seem to remember only (edit for name correction) @Wurst commenting on having access to it? Whilst we held our breath…

Vague memories, off topic too, but as far as I remember Libre2 was rolled out first in Germany while the UK and the Netherlands were eagerly waiting.
By now, things have divided by country again: Your UK Libre2's seem to be true CGM's, ours arent (at least not without the use of alternative apps like DiaBox and the likes).
We get the alarms but not the continuous readings, thanks to an outdated decision by our government to fund a flash device for all on MDI/pump (yes, T2's as well, there is that at least), but not fund full CGM's unless under very specific circumstances. No matter that the cost is the same by now.
So Abbott needs to keep the old version in production if they want to sell here.

 

[Jaylee]

I know, but as far as I know https://www.diabettech.com/ is a website still hosted by tim2000s, hence my tagging him to get the information and possible updates firsthand.

Vague memories, off topic too, but as far as I remember Libre2 was rolled out first in Germany while the UK and the Netherlands were eagerly waiting.
By now, things have divided by country again: Your UK Libre2's seem to be true CGM's, ours arent (at least not without the use of alternative apps like DiaBox and the likes).
We get the alarms but not the continuous readings, thanks to an outdated decision by our government to fund a flash device for all on MDI/pump (yes, T2's as well, there is that at least), but not fund full CGM's unless under very specific circumstances. No matter that the cost is the same by now.
So Abbott needs to keep the old version in production if they want to sell here.

Thanks for your response. I would respectfully dispute the “off topic.” It’s a response to the news of Abbott’s reported & “alleged” actions on Facebook which is fair comment on the OP’s link?

How organised is Abbott to pull this off? Just voicing an opinion on what I perceive based on experience... (comments above, respectfully welcome others it’s a forum.)
“Brandsheild” is reported, appears to be used to “police” the endeavour.? (Via an “AI?”)

But I do remember our discussion & banter regarding a possible trip to “score” an L2 at the time between you & I. (And crossing your boarder.)

Great product, by the way with the libre. Just incase I need to Jason Bourne more “men in black..”
it’s OK. Just realised the black van outside belongs to me..

 

[Antje77]

It’s a response to the news of Abbott’s reported & “alleged” actions on Facebook which is fair comment on the OP’s link?

Apparently it isn't Abbott performing the actions on Facebook, but I don't know anything apart from having read the article.

And yes, getting the Libre2 we have discussed in the early days, and outside from government regulations it's very odd that new products aren't rolled out in different countries at the same time.
But isn't this thread about a third party not affiliated by Abbott at all requesting Facebook to shut down groups discussing Libre without Abbott likely even being aware?

 

[Jaylee]

Apparently it isn't Abbott performing the actions on Facebook, but I don't know anything apart from having read the article.

And yes, getting the Libre2 we have discussed in the early days, and outside from government regulations it's very odd that new products aren't rolled out in different countries at the same time.
But isn't this thread about a third party not affiliated by Abbott at all requesting Facebook to shut down groups discussing Libre without Abbott likely even being aware?

Hence why I’m pointing out from my perception of things. (Posted above?)
Abbott’s right hand may not know what the left is doing? (In short. But let’s welcome other thoughts…)

Regarding IP. I once argued using a band name thought up by a member who “intellectually coined the phase in the name” then left. The 2 gigs booked prior to band member’s absence was maintaining the “good faith” of the “band” booked. There was no legal argument.
He still had to form a band to meet the contractual agreement? Maintain the “brand name.
Where as we had found & taken on a drummer to fulfil the exsisting 2 gig contract.
We changed the band or “brand name” after commitments to the contractual agreement of services on the dates agreed…

This is what I’m working on with my comments on this topic.

Best wishes.

 

[BadaBing]

But isn't this thread about a third party not affiliated by Abbott at all requesting Facebook to shut down groups discussing Libre without Abbott likely even being aware?

In the absence of standing instructions, external professional firms, such as law firms and trade mark adviser firms, do not usually take action to "take down" social media groups without receiving instructions from a client first. Not only is the firm unlikely to get paid if they act unilaterally without instructions, but it likely breaches profesional codes of conduct that such firms have to abide by.

The precise details concerning why a "take down" may have been requested on Abbott's behalf are as clear as mud at this stage. Reading between the lines it is possible that any "take down" complaint made was based on trade marks owned by Abbott rather than copyright.

 

[In Response]

My understanding is that this only affects unofficial Facebook groups about Libre.
However, the title of this thread suggests this affects other diabetes related user groups.
Can this be clarified?

 

[Bill_St]

My understanding is that this only affects unofficial Facebook groups about Libre.
However, the title of this thread suggests this affects other diabetes related user groups.
Can this be clarified?

afaik it is only Abbott Libre groups at the moment in a number of different countríes. As mentioned above, it may be just an independent firm touting for business or it could be on behalf of an entirely different company trying to damage Abbott. The silence from Abbott is deafening.
WHATEVER the background, it is not something we wish to see, support groups with many years experience, hundreds of active members, being destroyed without any comeback.

 

[Bill_St]

Abbott have finally responded -
Due to an error, some FreeStyle Libre user groups were mistakenly removed from Facebook. We've discussed this with our third-party monitoring vendor, BrandShield, and they are aiming to restore
access within 24 hours. We employ companies like BrandShield for routine online monitoring to help ensure the safety of
our FreeStyle Libre products and services. We sincerely apologise for the disruption. We know how important online communities are for people living with diabetes. They can be an invaluable support system and connection for Libre users.

I call that a result.

 

[Marc the Unruly]

Abbott have finally responded -
Due to an error, some FreeStyle Libre user groups were mistakenly removed from Facebook. We've discussed this with our third-party monitoring vendor, BrandShield, and they are aiming to restore
access within 24 hours. We employ companies like BrandShield for routine online monitoring to help ensure the safety of
our FreeStyle Libre products and services. We sincerely apologise for the disruption. We know how important online communities are for people living with diabetes. They can be an invaluable support system and connection for Libre users.

I call that a result.

Nice to know it was accidental. Good work from Abbott in responding quickly.