How to Protect Personal Information on Instagram
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By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
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23 August 2024
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10 mins read
Table of Content
Table of Contents
Is your online persona on Instagram an open book?
Millions of users share personal information on the network daily, making it a popular target for scammers and hackers.
But, you can protect your data with a few easy actions.
Now, let's explore how to protect your online identity on Instagram.
How Does Instagram Collect Your Data?
Instagram gathers much information from its consumers, including search history, messages, images, videos, and basic profile data. They also monitor your online activities, including the websites you visit, the apps you use, and the things you buy.
In addition, Instagram collects data about your device and surfing preferences through cookies and device identifiers. This information is used for platform improvement, user activity analysis, and targeted advertising.
Secure your Instagram Account with PurePrivacy
Types of Information Instagram Collects
Instagram gathers much information from consumers to grow the platform, target advertising, and improve the user experience. The data it collects is broken down as follows:
Personal Data
Instagram collects your name, username, phone number, email address, and biography. It also gathers password payment details for account security if you make purchases using the platform. Instagram also collects contact information to connect with people on Instagram or sync your contacts.
Content-Based Info
It saves the images and videos you upload, share, and engage with, as well as your direct messages, search history, comments, and favorite content.
App-Based Information
Instagram tracks the locations you tag in your photos and the time you spend using the app.
Information Collected Via Third-Party
If you link your Instagram account to additional services or apps, Instagram collects your information through third parties, cookies, and similar technologies to track your browsing behavior.
Why is it Important to Understand Instagram's Privacy Policy?
Understanding Instagram's privacy policy is crucial for these reasons:
Data Sharing
You may choose carefully what you share and publish on Instagram if you know the information it gathers and how it is shared with outside parties.
Data Security
This policy describes how Instagram protects against breaches and unwanted access to your data.
Adjusting Privacy Settings
You may restrict who sees your material by adjusting your privacy settings after understanding the policy better.
Being Aware of Possible Threats
Instagram uses your data for targeted advertising, as explained in the policy. Awareness of this can make you more careful with the information you disclose.
Data Retention
You may better control your online activities by knowing how long Instagram retains your data.
Legal Implications
Instagram's obligations regarding your data are outlined in the policy, which may be significant in the event of legal issues.
How to Protect Your Personal Information on Instagram
The following are ways to boost your Instagram security and protect your private information.
Turn off the Activity Status
To make it impossible for other people to know when you're online, turn off your activity status by following these steps:
- To access your profile, tap the photo of yourself in the lower right corner.
- In the upper right corner, press the three horizontal lines. Next, select Settings and Privacy.
- Select "Messages and Story Replies" from the menu below "How others can interact with you."
- Select "Show activity status."
- Toggle the switch next to "Show activity status" to turn your activity status on or off.
Secure your Instagram Account with PurePrivacy
Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is widely used in security and highly recommended even though it is not foolproof. To make your account eligible for two-factor authentication, use these instructions:
- After choosing the menu icon, choose Settings.
- To access, scroll down to Security > Two-Factor Authentication > Get Started.
- Select if you want to use an authenticator app or send a text message for authentication.
Remember to add a phone number to your account for text message two-factor authentication.
Disable Third-Party App Usage
While they can improve your Instagram experience, third-party apps have serious privacy hazards. These apps may access your personal information, which could result in misuse or data breaches.
Certain apps might even go against Instagram's service rules, which could lead to account suspension. To protect yourself, limit data access, carefully read app privacy policies, and consider using only reputable, well-established apps.
Verify your account's permissions regularly, and remove any apps you aren't using.
Turn off Tagging
In addition to being able to see and comment on your photos, friends may tag you in photos they post so that you can be identified. Those images may also be instantly added to your profile, where visitors and followers may view them.
But keeping the photo tagging off is better to maintain your privacy. Follow these steps:
- After choosing the menu icon, choose Settings and Privacy.
- Select Tags and mentions from the list below “How others can interact with you.”
- Choose who you want to be able to tag under Who can tag you (e.g., Allow tags from everyone or Don't allow tags).
Monitor the Dark Web 24/7
You can scan and search the dark web and get alert notifications if someone posts your information on the dark web without consent.
Review Data Broker Details
You can use PurePrivacy to identify the data brokers that are collecting your information and stop unauthorized access.
Get a Social Media Privacy Scan
You can assess your social media privacy and protect your online reputation. Find security vulnerabilities in your social media settings, then get personalized advice on improving privacy.
Avoid Intrusive Ads and Tracking
You can protect yourself from intrusive tracking by blocking websites and advertisers from harvesting your browser history and online footprints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How can I protect myself when using Instagram?
Here's how to protect your information on Instagram:
Make use of two-factor authentication to securely access Instagram.
You may control who can view your posts by using a private account.
If you don't want someone to view your posts, block them.
Select the comments that you wish to see.
Select a secure password and remember it. -
Is it possible for hackers to obtain your personal information via Instagram?
Although it's a simple way to share material between platforms, granting third-party apps access to your account has some risks: Because other apps might be less secure than Instagram, hackers could access them and take your Instagram login credentials.
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Does Instagram track your activity?
Yes. Instagram tracks every post you read, the account you follow, ad clicks, your location, and other choices. While this may be useful for targeted advertising, many people find it intrusive and bothersome because Instagram distributes this information to third parties.
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Is it okay to share private information on Instagram?
If you want to protect your personal information, watching what you post on Instagram is crucial. Refrain from disclosing personal details like your phone number, home address, or bank account information. It is also best to avoid using background details in photos and films, as they may unintentionally reveal personal information.
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Simplify your online presence today
With PurePrivacy, make sure all your personal data remains safe without a hassle!
In Conclusion!
Protecting private data on Instagram is essential to retaining online anonymity. To prevent yourself from online threats, you must be watchful of their privacy settings, restrict information sharing, and implement robust security measures.
