Instagram strengthens security: anti-scam alerts for users

March 6, 2024
Instagram is increasingly committed to protecting its users from suspicious activity by adding new security measures that improve awareness of scams. These new features include alerts when potentially scammy profiles request to connect and alerts when users are tagged or mentioned by accounts they do not follow.
Instagram alerts for suspicious profiles
In the past, Instagram users could receive connection requests from accounts that looked suspicious or potentially scammy. However, these accounts were not always easily recognizable to users. To solve this problem, Instagram has introduced new alerts that are shown when an account is detected as potentially fraudulent.
Instagram’s alerts for suspicious profiles take the form of pop-ups that inform the user of the possible risks associated with connecting with that account. These alerts serve to make users aware of potential scams and provide them with an opportunity to carefully consider the connection request. This new system of alerts aims to protect users from possible harm from fraudulent accounts.
Instagram alerts for tags and mentions from Unnamed accounts
In addition to alerts for suspicious profiles, Instagram has also introduced new alerts when users are tagged or mentioned by accounts they do not follow. These alerts are designed to provide users with an opportunity to review and update their security and privacy settings.
When a user receives a tag or mention from an account they do not follow, an alert will appear that prompts the user to review and understand the meaning of that tag and how to control related interaction. This in-stream alert is a more direct way to maximize awareness of concerns and possible misuse.
Importance of the new in-stream security alerts.
Instagram ‘s introduction of these new in-stream security alerts is a significant step toward greater user protection. Many users may not be aware of the risks associated with online scams or may not know the security and privacy settings that can help them avoid problems.
Research shows that most people never update their security settings on social media. By integrating these alerts more directly into the user experience, Instagram aims to encourage more aware use of security settings and improve users’ overall security.