On Aug. 28, 2018, Mike Krieger, Co-Founder & CTO of Instagram announced three new gamechanging features to promote authenticity and transparency on the platform.
Industry experts suggest these changes are in response to the recent scrutiny over the platform’s parent app—Facebook. The Cambridge Analytica scandal put Facebook in the limelight and the tech-giant has since been subject of criticism over misuse of data and an overall lack of transparency. Furthermore, in recent weeks, Facebook and Twitter have shut down hundreds of accounts linked to manipulation of information and data.
Krieger notes that these three new tools are in response to consumer demand—aiming to keep its one billion users safe. Heightened transparency will help to eliminate many of the fake accounts that weaken the platform’s community.
Keeping people with bad intentions off our platform is incredibly important to me,” writes Krieger, “That means trying to make sure the people you follow and the accounts you interact with are who they say they are, and stopping bad actors before they cause harm.”
Will these efforts be enough to disempower trolls and mitigate the mismanagement of information? These new Instagram features make it easier for the user to unveil who is actually behind-the-phone on the accounts they follow. A more comprehensive and fair application process for the highly-coveted blue verification badge hopes to restore credibility. Lastly, an integration with two-factor authentication via third-party authenticator apps, such as Google Authenticator and Duo Mobile, aim to boost account security.
1. About This Account
The first new Instagram feature, aptly named, “About This Account,” will help users verify the authenticity of a profile. ‘Grammers can click on the ellipsis menu button and view more information—such as the date the account was established, the country it is based, username changes, ads the account is currently running and accounts with shared followers.
Brands and influencers with substantial audiences will have the ability to review all their information regarding their accounts in September, before the global rollout of this feature. Facebook did not disclose the amount of followers an account must have for this feature to work, but maintains the feature will strive to expose profiles that are at high risk of misleading people.
2. Account Verification
The next tool in Instagram’s move towards transparency is a Verification Request Form. Users can now apply directly within the app for a Verification badge—provided they comply with with Instagram’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines, and boast an undisclosed amount of followers. Critics have mixed reviews—debating whether this feature levels the playing field or dilutes the value of the status symbol badge.
3. Two-Factor Authentication
The third and final feature announced will support third-party two-factor authentication (2FA). Krieger notes, “This form of two-factor authentication makes it easier and safer for you to securely log into Instagram.” Two-Factor Authentication is said to become universally available over the next few weeks.
To take advantage of the new added security measure, go to “Settings” on your profile and select “Two-Factor Authentication.” You can choose your preferred form or authentication by selecting “Authentication App.” If you have one of the authentication apps installed, Instagram will source the app and send a login code—otherwise it will redirect you to the App Store / Google Play Store. Copy and paste the code into Instagram and two-factor authentication will activate automatically.
We applaud Krieger in his efforts to put authenticity and data-safety first. We predict that the curbing of spam accounts will help brands see higher ROI from their influencer strategies. These new tools will help users determine if an influencer’s thousands of followers and hundreds of fire emoji comments are real or fake. Two-factor authentication is paramount in deterring hackers from taking over business accounts and stealing data. All in all, we believe these new Instagram features to be a credible and proactive strategy—demonstrating that the platform is listening to its community and putting transparency first.
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