Instagram Data Policy | London Social Media Agency

Instagram has recently updated their terms of service, and although there aren’t many major differences, at our London social media agency we’ve highlighted the most important ones that you should know.

Instagram Data Policy December 2020 Update

Will Instagram use your phone camera to monitor your reactions?

Countless rumours have been circulating the internet since Instagram updated their policy, claiming that the new terms allow the app to use your phone's camera at any time to monitor your reactions.

The purpose of this would be to observe the way you interact, look and how long you look at a post. However, the new data policy does not establish that the use of mobile phone cameras monitors expression or reactions.

The new policy updates us on what the app does monitor for advertising purposes, such as: your network of contacts, the hashtags you use and your location. The data policy update includes updates to Facebook’s policy too, which uses facial recognition to recognise you in photos, videos and camera experiences. This feature is not used on Instagram.

… so why have they updated their policy?

Instagram have updated the terms of service with explaining how they fund their service. Instead of charging you to use Instagram, they use advert spaces to generate revenue. Instagram have made it clear in the terms of service that they don’t sell your personal data; however, businesses will inform Instagram of their desired target audience when buying ad spaces, and Instagram will ensure these ads are shown to the relevant demographic.

The most important update to highlight that is relevant to businesses that use influencer marketing, or for influencers themselves is the revised “branded content tool”. If you use Instagram to post branded content, such as a paid promotion, you are legally required to use the branded content tool, otherwise, you violate the new terms of service. You can read more here. Influencer campaigns are an innovative method of revamping your marketing strategy, at our London Social Media agency we can teach you everything you need to know to make the most out of your campaign.

You can no longer sell or purchase any account

Another change to Instagram’s updated policy is that you cannot sell, license, or purchase any account or data obtained from Instagram or their service. This includes selling any aspect of your account, such as your username. A quick YouTube search will show you the prevalence of this market, with a handful of “how-to” videos on how to earn cash in exchange for a username.

You can no longer use your domain name or URL in your username

Finally, another update in the policy has sparked concern amongst businesses relying on Instagram to maintain their online presence. Instagram will now disable accounts with usernames that consist of URLs or domain names unless Instagram has given you prior written consent.

If you’re looking to include Instagram in your social media marketing strategy, please have a look at our portfolio. At our London Social Media Agency, we're more than happy to support your journey to success.