In today‘s hyper-connected digital world, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. We share photos, videos, thoughts, and experiences with friends, family, and even strangers across the globe. But as we increasingly live our lives online, concerns about privacy and security have grown exponentially.
Major social platforms like Instagram have come under scrutiny in recent years for their handling of user data, content moderation policies, and role in the spread of misinformation. According to a 2021 survey by Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans feel social media have a mostly negative effect on the way things are going in the country today. Concerns cited include misinformation, hate speech, harassment, and privacy violations.
Instagram, which is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), has faced particular criticism for its data collection practices and impact on users‘ mental health, especially younger users. A 2021 study found that Instagram collects up to 79.49% of users‘ personal data, the highest among popular social apps.
So what exactly does Instagram know about you? The app collects a wide range of data points, including:
- Your name, username, password, email, phone number, birthday, and gender identity
- Your profile photo, bio, posts, stories, reels, and private messages
- Comments, likes, searches, and accounts you follow or have interacted with
- Your device, browser, IP address, and time spent on the app
- Your location based on GPS, WiFi, cellular networks, and tagged locations
- Other sites you visit that use Instagram‘s tools like the "Share" or "Like" button
Instagram uses this data to personalize your experience and the ads and sponsored content you see. It also shares some data with third-party apps, advertisers, researchers, and others in the Meta Companies. While Instagram provides privacy settings to limit data collection and sharing, many users are unaware of the full scope of the app‘s capabilities.
Recognizing the need for greater transparency and user control, Instagram introduced the Privacy Checks feature in 2022. According to Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri, Privacy Checks is meant to "help people, especially teens, better understand what data we collect and how it‘s used, and give them more control over their privacy on Instagram."
What Can You Control with Instagram Privacy Checks?
When you open the Privacy Checks screen on Instagram, you‘ll see several modules guiding you through key privacy settings:
Account privacy: Choose between a public or private account. A private account means only approved followers can see your content.
Login security: Set up two-factor authentication, enable login alerts, and update backup contact info to protect against unauthorized access.
Interactions: Decide who can comment on your posts, mention you, add you to groups, and see your followers/following lists.
Data and history: Download your Instagram data, see what data is collected when you‘re not logged in, and delete your search history.
Ads: Adjust your ad topics and preferences, see how many ads you‘ve interacted with, and learn how your data influences ad targeting.
Supervision tools: If you‘re a teen (13-17), these tools allow your parents to see your privacy settings, set daily time limits, and more.
Instagram‘s Privacy Checks make it easier to access and understand these settings. But it‘s still up to users to take the time to review them regularly.
For even more granular control, Instagram offers additional privacy tools like:
- Restrict: Limit interactions with specific accounts without unfollowing or blocking them
- Hidden words: Filter out comments and message requests containing offensive words or phrases
- Limits: Hide comments and messages from accounts that don‘t follow you or recently started following you
- Sensitive content control: Adjust how much potentially upsetting content you see on the Explore page
As Instagram continues to evolve, it‘s releasing more privacy-focused updates. For example, in 2022 it added the option to share an approximate location with followers instead of a precise spot. It also expanded its nudity protection technology to cover more types of content.
Instagram vs. Other Social Platforms
So how does Instagram stack up against other popular social apps in terms of privacy? Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Platform | Two-Factor Authentication | Data Downloaded | Privacy Checkup | Third-Party Fact Checkers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| TikTok | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Yes | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Snapchat | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
As you can see, most major social platforms now offer essential privacy tools like two-factor authentication and the ability to download your data. But Instagram and its parent company are going a step further with dedicated privacy checkup features.
However, it‘s important to remember that privacy settings are just one piece of the puzzle. Social apps are inherently designed to encourage sharing, and there‘s always a risk that your information could be exposed through data breaches, hacks, or simple human error. That‘s why it‘s crucial to be proactive and protective of your privacy.
Tips for Protecting Your Privacy on Instagram and Beyond
In addition to regularly reviewing your Instagram Privacy Checks, here are more tips for guarding your personal data online:
Think before you post. Once something is online, it‘s hard to take back. Avoid sharing sensitive info like your address or intimate details you might later regret.
Keep your circle tight. Be selective about who you accept as followers and friends. Block or restrict accounts that make you uncomfortable.
Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid reusing passwords across sites. Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication. Adding an extra layer of login security can prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
Be selective with third-party apps. Before granting access to your Instagram data, carefully review what info the app is requesting and why. Revoke access for unused apps.
Keep your software up to date. App and operating system updates often include important security fixes. Turn on automatic updates if available.
Beware of phishing attempts. Watch out for fake emails or messages attempting to steal your login credentials or install malware. Contact companies directly to verify suspicious requests.
Monitor your digital footprint. Periodically google yourself and set up alerts for your name to see what info about you is publicly available. Request removal of any unwanted content.
Educate yourself on privacy rights and regulations. Stay informed on laws like the European Union‘s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) which grant individuals more control over their data.
Advocate for privacy-focused policies and design. Support political candidates and legislation that champion online privacy rights. Choose apps and services that prioritize privacy and transparency.
As our physical and digital lives become more intertwined, protecting our privacy is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and proactivity. While Instagram‘s Privacy Checks are a step in the right direction, they‘re just one tool in our arsenal.
Ultimately, the future of social media privacy will depend on a combination of user awareness, corporate accountability, and government regulation. By demanding more transparency and control over our data, we can create a safer, more trustworthy online environment for everyone.
