Is Instagram Safe?

If you use or plan to use Instagram, you need to know: Is Instagram safe? 

Below, we explain whether Instagram is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also give some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is Instagram?

Instagram is a social media platform that focuses primarily on photo and video sharing. 

Created by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger and launched in October 2010, Instagram was acquired by Facebook (now Meta Platforms Inc.) in 2012.

Users can upload photos and videos to their Instagram profiles, apply various filters and edits, and share them with their followers. 

Other popular features include the ability to post Stories (temporary posts that disappear after 24 hours), use IGTV to upload longer-form videos, and use Reels to create and share short, engaging videos, similar to TikTok.

Through Instagram’s Explore page, users can discover new content and accounts based on their interests and interactions on the platform. Instagram also has a built-in shopping feature that allows businesses to showcase their products directly on the platform.

Is Instagram Safe?

Yes, Instagram is generally considered safe, but like any other social media platform, using instagram has risks. 

Scammers use instagram. Since users can send private messages to one another, this can lead to phishing attacks and a host of other scams.  

Instagram is aware of the risks of scams on its platform and has a guide on how to avoid them. It notes that the platform actively removes harmful content but can’t protect users from all scenarios.

The platform has also experienced several security incidents. 

In 2017, hackers exploited a bug in an Instagram API to gain access to high-profile users’ email addresses and phone numbers. It later turned out that the hack affected millions of users, with stolen information later posted for sale on the internet. 

Instagram supports two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced account security.

Is Instagram Private?

Instagram is as private as any other social media platform. 

The platform has several privacy features in place. For instance, users can:

• Set their accounts to private, meaning only approved followers can see their posts, stories, and other activities.
• Remove followers and approve or deny follow requests, providing control over who can see their content.
• Manage who sees their online status and control who can send them messages or comment on their posts.
• Download their data and delete their accounts.

It’s important to remember that public posts, comments, and likes are visible to anyone, and even private posts can be shared by followers via screenshots or other means. 

Instagram collects extensive data on users. 

In its data policy, Instagram outlines that it collects information provided by users, social network and connection data, app usage, transaction data, and information that other people provide about you. In addition, Instagram collects abundant device data and data from partners and third parties.

External outlets have raised numerous concerns about Instagram’s data tracking, with one 2021 study finding Instagram to be the most invasive app on Apple’s App Store. The study found that 79% of user data was collected at the time. This data is used for targeted advertising and shared with Facebook (Meta) and third parties.

Terms of Service; Didn’t Read, a project that rates internet services’ terms of service and privacy policies, gives Instagram a “Grade E.” Some of the concerns cited include Instagram storing data on users who don’t even use the service, reading private messages, and holding onto content that users have deleted. 

The Common Sense Privacy Project, which rates internet services in the context of kids, gives Instagram a 62% rating (out of 100%). This is a “Warning,” meaning Instagram doesn’t meet the project’s privacy and security recommendations. 

In 2022, the Irish Data Protection Commission fined Instagram 405 million euros for violating children’s privacy. 

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy on Instagram

Follow the below steps for a safer and more private experience on Instagram. 

• Set your account to private. Under Account Privacy, slide the toggle on for a private account to ensure only approved followers can see your posts and stories.
• Review your followers. Periodically review your follower list and remove anyone you do not recognize or trust.
• Control who sees your stories. Under your Account Settings, use the “Hide Story From” option to select people you don’t want to view your stories. You can also toggle who can reply to your stories: Everyone, People You Follow, or Off.
• Hide your activity status. Under your Account Settings, slide the toggle for “Show Activity Status” off to prevent others from seeing when you were last active.
• Control your interactions. You can filter and block comments from specific users, change who can message you, and control who can tag you in posts in the Privacy menu of your Account Settings.
• Limit personal information. Avoid sharing personal details in your bio, such as your phone number, address, or email.
• Be mindful of what you share. Think carefully before posting photos or videos that reveal your location, daily routine, or personal details. Avoid posting content that could compromise your safety or privacy.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Follow the instructions to set up 2FA under your Account Settings, which will add an extra layer of security to your account.
• Monitor login activity. In the Login Activity menu of your Account Settings, you can check for unfamiliar devices or locations that have logged into your account and log out of any suspicious sessions.
• Use a strong password. Create a strong, unique password for your Instagram account. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites.
• Be cautious with links. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in comments, messages, or profiles.
• Manage connected apps. Under the “Apps and Websites” section of your Account settings, review and remove any third-party apps you no longer use or trust.
• Report and block harmful users. Report any inappropriate content or harassment and block users who engage in unwanted behavior.