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Why should you leave Instagram?
Everyone has different reasons for wanting to quit Instagram. Some are tired of constantly comparing themselves to the “perfect” lives of others, some feel anxious because of the endless feed, and some are concerned about how much information the social network collects and uses for advertising purposes. However, an important reason for deleting an account is privacy, as many users are unaware of how much information Instagram collects and what happens to it afterward.
Deactivate or delete?
Before you leave Instagram, we recommend that you first understand the difference between temporarily deactivating and permanently deleting your account.
Temporary deactivation is a feature that allows you to hide your profile, photos, likes, and comments, but not delete them. You can restore your account simply by logging back in. This is a good option if you plan to take a break but are not ready to make a final decision.
On the other hand, the destruction of information is meant by “complete deletion.” Everything, including photos, videos, messages, and followers, will be deleted forever, and it will be impossible for your account to be restored. However, there’s another catch: Instagram may store some of your data for a while longer. We’ll discuss that later.
What does Facebook know about you?
Meta (formerly Facebook) owns Instagram, and it collects a significant amount of data about you. This includes your likes and comments, the time you spend in the app, your geolocation and IP address, the accounts you view, the devices you use to log in, and your interests based on your activity.
This data is used for targeted advertising, which makes Facebook/Meta one of the most profitable companies in the world. The more they know about you, the more effectively they can show you ads that advertisers pay them to show.
How long does Instagram keep your data, and where after deletion?
Even if you have gone through the account deletion procedure, Instagram can still keep your data for up to 90 days. During this time, the data can be used for security checks, legal purposes, and to improve the service, but this is according to the company. In addition, it is worth understanding that some of the information, such as correspondence with other users, can remain with other people, even if you have deleted the account.
In addition, even if you have deleted your account, your personal information may remain on data-buying sites, known as data brokers. These companies collect and sell email addresses, locations, activity histories, relationships, and friend information.
How do I remove information from aggregator sites?
- Visit sites like Whitepages, Spokeo, and PeopleFinder and see if your information is there.
- Submit a manual deletion request (each site does this differently).
- Use special services such as DeleteMe, Incogni, and Optery that do it automatically for you.
How do you delete your Instagram account permanently?
Here we offer step-by-step instructions for both computer and Android/iOS devices.
From a computer:
| Step 1: | Go to your profile. |
| Step 2: | Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. |
| Step 3: | Tap “Account Center,” then “Personal Information.” |
| Step 4: | Click “Account ownership and management”, then “Deactivate or delete.” |
| Step 5: | Click the account you want to delete permanently. |
| Step 6: | Click “Delete account”, then “Continue.” |
Important: The account will be hidden immediately, but deletion can take up to 30 days. During this time, you can log in and cancel the deletion.
Download a copy of your data before deleting your account.
Before permanently deleting your Instagram account, it is recommended that you first download all your data, such as photos, videos, comments, posts, and other activity. This will allow you to save your memories and refer to them later if necessary.
You may request a copy of your information in two formats:
- HTML, which can be easily viewed in a browser.
- JSON, which is suitable for working with data on devices. It is also ideal for working with data in third-party services.
How to download your Instagram details:
- Go to your profile.
- In the menu that opens, click on the three horizontal lines at the bottom (in the left pane).
- Select “Settings.”
- Go to the “Privacy and Security” section.
- Find “Data Download” and click on it.
- Enter the email address where you want to receive the archive with your data.
- Select the format: HTML or JSON. It is better to request both options in turn.
- Confirm the request by entering your account password.
After some time (usually within 48 hours), you will receive a link to download the archive. Be sure to save this data before proceeding to account deletion.
How does a VPN protect your Instagram data?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address. Even if you continue to use Instagram or other social networks, a VPN can help protect your privacy and security online.
- Hide your location from Instagram.
- Make your internet traffic invisible to ISPs and hackers.
- Prevent anyone from tracking your online activity.
The reasons it’s significant:
Meta and other tech companies collect data not only from apps but also through your browser, Wi-Fi, and even Bluetooth. A VPN helps reduce the amount of information collected. It also protects your digital identity. Don’t forget: digital security is not a one-time action. It’s a habit. Use VPNLY for Instagram, delete accounts you don’t need, and check where your data is stored. The less corporations know about you, the freer you are online.
