Instagram is becoming more secure, including more options for two-step verification. We list the improvements.
This makes Instagram safer
Instagram comes with new means to make the app more secure. That is good news for all users, even if you cannot immediately use every option yourself. You need to know these three things.
1. Using authentication apps
Soon it will be possible to use authentication apps with Instagram for two-step verification. At the moment you can only protect your Instagram account with a password and a security code. This code will be sent via SMS to confirm that you are actually logging in.
With the new option, you can find the code in the authentication app of your choice. That is safer, because an SMS with a code can be intercepted. The rollout for this feature has now started, but it may take several weeks for everyone to have the option. To do this, go to settings and choose ‘Two-step verification’ under the heading ‘Privacy and security’.
2. About this account
More information about accounts with a lot of followers will become available in the coming weeks. In this way it should be possible to better determine the authenticity of an account. On a popular account, you can go to the profile, tap the three dots, then tap ‘About this account’. There you can see, among other things, the date on which the account was created, whether the name of the account has changed in the past year and whether the account is running advertisements.
3. Verification opens
Instagram gives more accounts the option to verify, which means there is a blue check mark next to their name. This check mark is still only intended for accounts with many users, who fill out a form within the app for verification. In the settings menu, this form can be found under the heading ‘Account’ under ‘Request verification’. Part of the process is uploading a valid proof of identity.
Instagram tackles addiction
Using Instagram will also be safer in other ways. For example, by providing insight into how much you use the app and the option to mute certain notifications. A newest addition is that Instagram will let you know exactly when you are back up to date.
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