Facebook-owned Instagram has announced that it has now started asking suspicious accounts to verify their identity. The aim behind this move is to get rid of the bots and fake accounts.
This new process will only affect a small number of users. There are a few red flags to bring an account under the scanner. These flags include:
- When the majority of someone’s followers are in a different country to their location.
- Signs of automation such as bot accounts.
- Signs of potential inauthentic activity
The app may ask suspicious users to present different kinds of IDs including photo IDs issued by the government. The user will have to provide full name and scanned copy of the IP proof.
Instagram claims that the document provided by users will be “stored securely” and will be removed from the database within 30 days. Some users may lose access to account during the review process.
Users who choose not to provide ID proofs may end up losing the account access. Some of these accounts will just face reduced reach.
“In some cases, if you do not pass our review, you will be told in the Instagram app that we can close your account and delete your account data,” said Instagram in its FAQ section.
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