Is Instagram Safe? Security Review
3/5
Overall Safety Score
★
★
★
★
★
Verdict: Instagram has adequate security features but poor privacy practices inherent to Meta's ad-driven business model. Users should carefully manage privacy settings and limit data sharing.
Instagram is Meta's photo and video sharing platform with over 2 billion monthly active users. While it has invested in security features, its business model depends on extensive user data collection for targeted advertising.
Worried about your Instagram data? Apps like this feed data brokers who resell your name, address and phone number. DeleteMe covers 976 broker sites, with human reviewers handling each removal.
Get DeleteMe Deal →Security Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | 3/5 | |
| Privacy | 2/5 | |
| Track Record | 2/5 |
Security Features
- Two-factor authentication (app-based and SMS)
- Login activity monitoring
- Encrypted DMs (end-to-end encryption rolled out)
- Account recovery via trusted contacts
- Restricted accounts and close friends lists
Privacy Concerns
- Extensive tracking across apps and websites via Meta Pixel
- Collects location data, device info, and browsing patterns
- In-app browser tracks activity on external websites
- Photos analyzed by AI for ad targeting
- Data shared across Meta family (Facebook, WhatsApp metadata)
Past Security Incidents
- 2019 breach exposed 49 million user records including phone numbers and email addresses (stored in plaintext on Facebook servers)
- 2020 revelations that Instagram retained deleted photos and DMs on servers
- 2022 Irish DPC fined Meta 405 million euros for violations of children's privacy on Instagram
- Cambridge Analytica scandal (2018) affected broader Meta ecosystem
How to Stay Safe Using Instagram
- Set account to private
- Enable two-factor authentication via authenticator app
- Disable activity status
- Restrict ad personalization in settings
- Don't use the in-app browser; open links externally
- Regularly review third-party app connections
Safer Alternatives
- Bluesky (decentralized, privacy-friendly)
- Mastodon (federated, no ads)
- Pinterest (less invasive tracking)
🔒
Instagram Has Your Data — Take It Back
Apps like Instagram share your details with data brokers who resell them. DeleteMe covers 976 broker sites and puts a human privacy advisor on every removal, rather than firing off automated requests and hoping.
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Last updated: February 10, 2026