Crossword Genius

Shadow bans earl from online business (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tail

'shadow bans' is the definition.
'tail' can be an answer for 'shadow' (both can mean to follow someone). I'm unsure of the 'bans' bit.

'earl from online business' is the wordplay.
'earl' becomes 'e'.
'from' is a deletion indicator.
'online business' becomes 'etail' (electronic retail).
'etail' with 'e' taken away is 'TAIL'.

(Other definitions for tail that I've seen before include "part of coat" , "Feebler batsmen" , "private eye" , "Follow the caudal appendage" , "Hindmost part" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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