https://consumerrights.wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=VenConsumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]2026-04-29T15:53:35ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.44.0https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=EduVULCAN&diff=30303EduVULCAN2025-11-11T10:22:59Z<p>Ven: One detail added</p>
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<div>{{InfoboxProductLine<br />
| Title = eduVULCAN<br />
| Release Year = 2024<br />
| Product Type = Software<br />
| In Production = Yes<br />
| Official Website = https://eduvulcan.pl/<br />
| Logo = EduVULCAN logo alt.png<br />
}}<br />
<br />
[https://eduvulcan.pl/ eduVULCAN] is a Polish school e-journal service developed by [https://aleo.com/int/company/vulcan-spolka-z-ograniczona-odpowiedzialnoscia215 Vulcan sp. z o.o.]., allowing students and their parents to view grades, submit absence notes, contact teachers, and more. Similarly, it enables teachers to record student attendance, add or modify grades, and perform other administrative tasks.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Dziennik VULCAN |url=https://www.vulcan.edu.pl/szkoly-i-przedszkola/oprogramowanie/dziennik-vulcan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120434/https://www.vulcan.edu.pl/szkoly-i-przedszkola/oprogramowanie/dziennik-vulcan |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=vulcan.edu.pl}}</ref><br />
<br />
It is the successor to '''Dzienniczek VULCAN''' (referred to here as simply VULCAN). Most students previously using VULCAN were encouraged to switch to eduVULCAN unless their school employed a custom solution incompatible with the new system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historia eduVULCAN |url=https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/edu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120445/https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/edu |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Czy Vulcana pojebało?}}</ref><br />
<br />
Many schools in Poland rely exclusively on Vulcan’s services to manage their systems, effectively requiring many students to use the platform.<br />
<br />
The service has faced a lot of controversy, particularly around their restructuring beginning around the 2024/2025 school year.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
<br />
*User Freedom:<br />
*User Privacy:<br />
*Business Model:<br />
*Market Control:<br />
<br />
==Anti-consumer practices==<br />
<br />
===Blocking of third-party clients===<br />
Many students utilized unofficial clients to use the VULCAN service, particularly during COVID when the service was constantly overloaded as these apps had the ability to download data once and work fully offline,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Szczodrzyński |first=Kuba |title=Koniec |url=https://szkolny.eu/finale |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120431/https://szkolny.eu/finale |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=szkolny.eu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Arkadiusz |first=Stando |date=2020-03-15 |title=Nie działają Librus i Vulcan. Zdalne nauczanie w całej Polsce pod znakiem zapytania |url=https://www.dobreprogramy.pl/nie-dzialaja-librus-i-vulcan-zdalne-nauczanie-w-calej-polsce-pod-znakiem-zapytania,6628713723516545a |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120445/https://www.dobreprogramy.pl/nie-dzialaja-librus-i-vulcan-zdalne-nauczanie-w-calej-polsce-pod-znakiem-zapytania,6628713723516545a |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |work=dobreprogramy}}</ref> making these apps more preferred as they were generally more reliable than the official app.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dzienniczek VULCAN - Apps on Google Play |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.edu.vulcan.hebe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226100218/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.edu.vulcan.hebe |archive-date=2025-02-26 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Google Play Store}}</ref><br />
[[File:Wulkanowy announcement.webp|alt=Wulkanowy's announcement|thumb|284x284px|Wulkanowy's announcement on Facebook regarding the app being blocked]]<br />
<br />
====Blocking third-party apps====<br />
On 25 April 2024, [https://github.com/wulkanowy/wulkanowy Wulkanowy], one of the most popular third-party [[Free and open-source|free-and-open-source]] (FOSS) clients mysteriously stopped working and started displaying a "''No Access''" error message upon logging in. Wulkanowy stated this was a deliberate move by Vulcan, who allegedly placed an extra piece of code in the login endpoint’s response. This tricked the app into interpreting the request as a failure, while the official app would continue to function.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=1.webp |url=https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/1.webp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120431/https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/1.webp |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Czy Vulcana pojebało?}}</ref><br />
<br />
The website [https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/historia czyvulcanapojebalo.pl] also alleges that Vulcan analyzed the Wulkanowy SDK further to try to exploit every potential vulnerability that could cause the app to malfunction.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Historia |url=https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/historia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119151457/https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/historia |archive-date=2025-01-19 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Czy Vulcana pojebało?}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2.webp |url=https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/2.webp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120444/https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/2.webp |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Czy Vulcana pojebało?}}</ref><br />
<br />
Later versions of VULCAN introduced additional variables in the web requests made by the app, causing third-party clients to become inoperable after each official app update, as these variables were altered with every new version.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-17 |title=wulkanowy/messages/generator/src/main/kotlin/mapping/VTokens.kt#L64 |url=https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/78eb70a76aad7815563ab9a63882b2b788aeb9cf/generator/src/main/kotlin/mapping/VTokens.kt#L64 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120438/https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/78eb70a76aad7815563ab9a63882b2b788aeb9cf/generator/src/main/kotlin/mapping/VTokens.kt#L64 |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=GitHub}}</ref><br />
<br />
====Legal threats====<br />
In the beginning of June, VULCAN started sending out cease-and-desist letters to third-party app developers, ordering them to cease app development completely and make all apps display a message that was allegedly prepared by Vulcan themselves.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> As such, nearly all forks and clients of the app stopped development and were updated to only display a static message,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-26 |title=wulkanowy/messages/generator/src/main/kotlin/end.kt |url=https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/c3b888cfb45e3b0419a9cb25714c6307ca3063a1/generator/src/main/kotlin/end.kt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120433/https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/c3b888cfb45e3b0419a9cb25714c6307ca3063a1/generator/src/main/kotlin/end.kt |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=GitHub}}</ref> and their respective app store pages were removed in June and July.<br />
<br />
On August 22, 2024, just before the new school year began, [https://github.com/wezuwiusz/neowulkanowy Wezuwiusz], a fork of Wulkanowy preparing for compatibility with eduVULCAN, also received a cease-and-desist letter. It was allegedly sent by one of the biggest law firms in Poland and was accusing the developers of:<br />
<br />
*Trademark infringement,<br />
*Unfair competition,<br />
*Damaging their server infrastructure by scraping, allegedly leading to higher server costs, and<br />
*Harming Vulcan's reputation.<br />
<br />
Additionally, Vulcan criticized the [https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/10.webp developer’s review of the official app on Google Play] and referred to unofficial apps as "parasites".<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
The eduVULCAN [[terms of service]] were also adjusted to forbid the use of apps that "automate logging in and receiving data from the website" for "security and confidentiality reasons" and to clarify that Vulcan "may employ technological measures to block access to the service using such software" (§3, section 11).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-09 |title=Regulamin świadczenia usług drogą elektroniczną w ramach Platformy internetowej eduVULCAN i Aplikacji mobilnej eduVULCAN |url=https://eduvulcan.pl/dokumenty/regulamin |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120444/https://eduvulcan.pl/dokumenty/regulamin |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=eduVULCAN}}</ref> These measures appeared to prepare the way for the new account system.<br />
<br />
===New eduVULCAN account system===<br />
Just before the start of the 2024/2025 school year, Vulcan announced the eduVULCAN platform and changes to their account system. There are now two types of accounts:<br />
<br />
#'''Basic accounts''', which have no access to the mobile app, and<br />
#'''''eduVULCAN'' accounts,''' which provide access to the mobile app but with new limitations.<br />
<br />
Several previously free features in the VULCAN mobile app, such as push notifications, messaging teachers, and submitting absence notes, are now behind a paywall. The cost for the full school year is 32.99 PLN (around 8 USD) with tax per student.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rozpoczęcie sprzedaży Usługi rozszerzonej |url=https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/usluga-rozszerzona/#oferta |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120430/https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/usluga-rozszerzona/#oferta |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=eduVULCAN}}</ref> This fee is in addition to the costs schools pay for access to the service, which remains undisclosed.<br />
<br />
Access to the website version of these features is still free, as required by law.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-15 |title=Dziennik Ustaw Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, poz. 50 |url=https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU20240000050/O/D20240050.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Internetowy System Aktów Prawnych}}</ref><br />
<br />
While you can quickly switch a basic account to an ''eduVULCAN'' one<ref>{{Cite web |title=Konto zwykłe w Dzienniku VULCAN |url=https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kzw/#:~:text=czy%20moge%20zmienic%20zwyk%C5%82e%20konto%20na%20konto%20eduvulcan%3F |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117020305/https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kzw/ |archive-date=2025-01-17 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Dziennik VULCAN}}</ref>, you can't switch back an ''eduVULCAN'' account to a basic one without having to reset your entire account (this requires the school's secretary office to print a new one-time code).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baza wiedzy |url=https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/baza-wiedzy/#:~:text=czy%20moge%20zmienic%20konto%20eduvulcan%20na%20zwyk%C5%82e%20konto%3F |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120437/https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/baza-wiedzy/ |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=eduVULCAN}}</ref><br />
<br />
This new account system is still present as of the 2025/2026 school year.<br />
<br />
====Public reception====<br />
The changes were met with extreme criticism as students and parents opposed the new payment options, sparking discussion around the Polish parliament about a possible creation of a free state-owned e-journal system.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Konczal |first=Magdalena |date=2024-09-12 |title=Opłaty za e-dzienniki? Rodzice narzekają, a firmy się tłumaczą. Będzie nowa platforma dla szkół |url=https://strefaedukacji.pl/oplaty-za-edzienniki-rodzice-narzekaja-a-firmy-sie-tlumacza-bedzie-nowa-platforma-dla-szkol/ar/c5-18803353#medukacja-zamiast-komercyjnych-firm-z-dziennikami |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319235513/https://strefaedukacji.pl/oplaty-za-edzienniki-rodzice-narzekaja-a-firmy-sie-tlumacza-bedzie-nowa-platforma-dla-szkol/ar/c5-18803353#medukacja-zamiast-komercyjnych-firm-z-dziennikami |archive-date=2025-03-19 |access-date=2025-01-16 |work=Strefa Edukacji}}</ref><br />
<br />
Several Polish MPs submitted interpellations to the Minister of Education.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Płaczek |first=Grzegorz Adam |date=2024-09-03 |title=Interpelacja nr 4577 do ministra edukacji w sprawie kosztów poniesionych przez szkoły na zakup licencji do e-dzienników |url=https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93F9E |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Sejm Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej}} </ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Płaczek |first=Grzegorz Adam |date=2024-09-03 |title=Interpelacja nr 4578 do ministra edukacji w sprawie kosztów poniesionych przez samorządy na zakup licencji do e-dzienników |url=https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93F9F |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Sejm Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej}} </ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-04 |title=Interpelacja nr 4595 do ministra edukacji w sprawie opłat za korzystanie z e-dzienników |url=https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93F9X |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Sejm Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej}} </ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Osos |first=Katarzyna |date=2024-09-10 |title=Interpelacja nr 4735 do ministra edukacji w sprawie elektronicznych dzienników |url=https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93FEA |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Sejm Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej}} </ref> However, the responses offered no substantial new information, as Vulcan complies with legal requirements by providing "at least one channel of free access to the electronic journal [...] whether on a stationary device or on a mobile device with Internet access (via a web browser)."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-05 |title=Zawiadomienie z sposobie załatwienia petycji 1 i 2 z 15 września 2024 r. |url=https://www.gov.pl/attachment/549af198-803b-4216-a5f2-088dc2fa9082 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=gov.pl}}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]<br />
[[Category:EduVULCAN]]<br />
<references /></div>Venhttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Instagram&diff=19854Instagram2025-08-16T11:00:15Z<p>Ven: New info and sources added</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Incomplete}}<br />
{{InfoboxCompany<br />
| Name = Instagram<br />
| Type = Subsidiary<br />
| Founded = 2010<br />
| Industry = Social Media<br />
| Official Website = https://www.instagram.com/<br />
| Logo = Instagram.png<br />
}}'''[[wikipedia:Instagram|Instagram]]''' is a global social-media platform and subsidiary of [[Meta]] since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Apr 2012 |title=Facebook to Acquire Instagram |url=https://about.fb.com/news/2012/04/facebook-to-acquire-instagram/ |url-status=live |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=[[Meta]]}}</ref> Founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram focuses on sharing photos and videos. This content can take the form of a "reel", "post", or a "story".<ref group="notes"><u>Reels:</u> Short videos similar to the format popularized by TikTok.<br><u>Posts:</u> A collection of images or videos.<br><u>Stories:</u> A temporary post that allows photos, videos, and text.</ref> Moreover, Instagram has a direct messaging service and a live streaming service built in.<br />
<br />
Instagram has been scrutinized for many consumer violations revolving around the extent of its data collection<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cuthberson |first=Anthony |date=18 Mar 2021 |title=Instagram is ‘most invasive app’, new study shows |url=https://www.the-independent.com/tech/instagram-invasive-app-privacy-facebook-b1818453.html |url-status=live |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=Independent}}</ref> and the use of said data.<br />
<br />
==Consumer-protection profile==<br />
<br />
===Privacy===<br />
<br />
*On signup, Instagram collects details such as the user's name, email, phone number, and profile information.<ref name=":0">[https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388?utm_source=chatgpt.com Privacy Policy]</ref><br />
*Through the use of the app, Instagram collects the following:<ref name=":0" /><br />
**Interactions including, likes, comments, posts, and direct messages.<br />
**Location Data.<br />
**Device Information.<br />
**Usage Data.<br />
**Content Data including metadata from photos and videos.<br />
**Information from messages including the people the user interacts with the types of messages the user sends.<br />
*Instagram shares data to 3rd parties including advertisers directly and through Meta.<ref name=":0" /><br />
*Instagram will share data with law enforcement if legally compelled.<ref name=":0" /><br />
*Instagram will analyze messages for the purpose of detecting spam, harassment, or abusive content.<br />
*Instagram uses user data to serve targeted advertisements to the user.<br />
<br />
===Transparency===<br />
<br />
*The Instagram privacy policy states how most user data is collected and stored.<br />
*Instagram allows users to download a copy of their Data through their front-ends.<br />
*It is unclear how much information is collected from user to user messages.<br />
<br />
===Freedom===<br />
<br />
*Instagram messages are not end-to-end encrypted.<br />
*Instagram, as part of Meta, has a forced arbitration clause in its terms of service.<br />
*Instagram has the ability to remove content without citing a reason.<br />
*Instagram is granted a license to use, distribute, modify, run, copy, display, and create derivative works of uploaded content.<ref name=":1">[https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870/ Terms of Service]</ref><br />
<br />
==Consumer-protection incidents==<br />
<br />
===Introduction of maps feature (Aug. 2025)===<br />
On August 6, 2025, Instagram introduced two features in their app; reposts and the map, with the latter being heavily clarified the feature is opt-in.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/instagram-new-features-connect-friends/|title=New Features to Help You Connect With Friends|work=Instagram|date=2025-08-06|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://archive.ph/wFp70|archive-date=2025-08-06|url-status=live}}</ref> Many of its users have voiced concerns with the feature being implemented, as some say their location was enabled without their knowledge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-09/instagram-location-sharing-feature-is-raising-privacy-concerns/105632212|title=Instagram's new location-sharing feature is raising privacy concerns|first1=Sohani|last1=Goonetillake|first2=Lewis|last2=Wiseman|date=2025-08-09|work=ABC News Australia|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809151515/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-09/instagram-location-sharing-feature-is-raising-privacy-concerns/105632212|archive-date=2025-08-09|url-status=live}}</ref> Other users have demanded Instagram to remove the feature altogether on the company's posts, citing the creepiness and danger posed to younger users and women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNBlO9_SVey/|title=Music: ON. World: OFF. #InTheMoment|date=2025-08-06|work=Instagram|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Jh8sm|archive-date=2025-08-08|url-status=live}}</ref> Privacy-focused users have suggested those with Instagram to disable Instagram's location services altogether through the phone's settings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1mjqyym/instagram_update_now_shares_your_live_location/|title=Instagram update now shares your live location unless you disable it|author=u/SideHonest9960|date=2025-08-07|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://archive.ph/QSSrc|archive-date=2025-08-11|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<gallery><br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (1).PNG|Statement from Instagram on August 8th clarifying how the maps feature is integrated with existing accounts.<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (2).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (3).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (4).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (5).PNG<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
===Instagram shows gore and violence videos to select users (Feb. 2025)===<br />
In what Instagram calls an "error", some users were shown videos of graphic death scenes and animal abuse in their Reels feed for about a day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milmo |first=Dan |date=2025-02-28 |title=Meta apologises over flood of gore, violence and dead bodies on Instagram |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/28/meta-apologises-over-flood-of-gore-violence-and-dead-bodies-on-instagram |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Meta apologizes, fixes glitch that caused violent video recommendations on Reels |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/27/tech/meta-apologizes-glitch-violent-reels}}</ref><br />
<br />
This also serves as an example for the kind of content Meta staff has to review when flagged and raises questions about the mental health impact watching this type of content all day has on the workers tasked with content moderation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=‘It scars you for life’: Workers sue Meta claiming viewing brutal videos caused psychological trauma |url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/10/19/it-scars-you-for-life-workers-sue-meta-claiming-viewing-brutal-videos-caused-psychological}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Instagram allows AI to be trained on user data (Mar. 2023)===<br />
In March 2023, Instagram updated its Terms of Service to allow them to use collected data to train artificial intelligence.<ref name=":1" /> This data includes uploaded photos and videos and the creators were not given compensation. This new TOS was mandatory to accept to continue using the platform.<br />
<br />
Opt-out was available in regions where this was legally required, but involved a ridiculously complicated process using a variety of [[Dark pattern|dark patterns]] to dissuade users from taking Meta up on the offer. The form included a freeform text box where the user had to explain their reasons for opting out and suggested that all requests would be manually reviewed and reserved the right to reject the user's wishes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grinkevičius |first=Paulius |date=2024-05-28 |title=Meta uses your data to train AI, and it doesn't want you to opt out |url=https://cybernews.com/tech/meta-trains-ai-on-your-data/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=cybernews}}</ref><br />
<br />
===New iOS Camera Activity Indicator shows camera activity at unexpected moments (2020–2022)===<br />
Some users reported their camera being accessed while they were not using a feature of the app that ordinarily involves taking pictures or videos. This was revealed by a new indicator in iOS 14 and the same thing was repeated when Android 12 introduced a similar indicator.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why does Instagram use my camera whenever i exit the app? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/s85mv2/why_does_instagram_use_my_camera_whenever_i_exit/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why is Instagram accessing my camera at unexpected moments ? (The new privacy feature from Android 12 shows a red dot at the top right when an app is accessing sensitive hardware) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/qiyofe/why_is_instagram_accessing_my_camera_at/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram weirdly accessing camera? (more in first comment) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/ssqeyi/instagram_weirdly_accessing_camera_more_in_first/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
In a separate incident '''[I think November 2022]''', users reported suddenly seeing their camera feed behind the Instagram interface when scrolling their feed or interacting with posts '''[SOURCES NEEDED – very difficult to find the reports on this].''' <br />
<br />
Instagram claimed that nothing was recorded in these instances. Their responses never addressed concerns that the camera feed might be used for things like analysing the face for emotional reaction to ads, recording location information or similar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Becker |first=Leo |date=2020-07-27 |title=Unerwünschter iPhone-Kamerazugriff: Instagram verweist auf Bug |url=https://www.heise.de/news/Unerwuenschter-iPhone-Kamerazugriff-Instagram-verweist-auf-Bug-4855850.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Heise Online [German]}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Instagram uses personal data for advertisements without proper consent (Nov. 2020)===<br />
<br />
===Instagram data breach (May 2019)===<br />
In May 2019 Instagram suffered a big data breach which exposed sensitive information of almost 50 milion influencers and brands such as phone numbers and email adresses.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 20, 2019 |title=Millions of Instagram influencers had their contact data scraped and exposed |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/20/instagram-influencer-celebrity-accounts-scraped/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 23, 2019 |title=Instagram data breach! 49 million users’ sensitive data exposed online |url=https://cisomag.com/instagram-data-breach-49-million-users-sensitive-data-exposed-online/}}</ref>. It was later stated that no more than 350.000 accounts were affected and least some of the personal information was set to public by the affected accounts<br />
<br />
<br />
The database was stored on an Amazon server and wasn't protected by a password<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 21, 2019 |title=Instagram: Facebook probes breach of millions of influencer accounts |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-48347592}}</ref><br />
<br />
The database was open for at least 72 hours, although a researcher verified that it was first accesed on May 14th<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 20, 2019 |title=Millions of Instagram influencers had their contact data scraped and exposed |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/20/instagram-influencer-celebrity-accounts-scraped/}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Controversy regarding the data privacy of minors (Mar. 2019)===<br />
Since at least early 2019 until mid-2023 Meta has taken minimal action regarding closing accounts of children under 13, after requests sent from their parents and friends. Meta was actively collecting personal information of these children without their parents consent. This led to a lawsuit against the company in which it was stated that Meta violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Meta collected children’s data from Instagram accounts, unsealed court document alleges |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/26/business/meta-collecting-data-children-facebook}}</ref><br />
<br />
Concerns were also present regarding exposing children to potential harmful content from a young age, which could impact their well-being<br />
<br />
===Meta shares personal data from millions without consent. (Mar. 2018)===<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Facebook]]<br />
*[[Snapchat]]<br />
*[[TikTok]]<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
<references group="notes" /><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Instagram]]<br />
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]</div>Venhttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Instagram&diff=19838Instagram2025-08-16T09:49:20Z<p>Ven: added a new incident</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Incomplete}}<br />
{{InfoboxCompany<br />
| Name = Instagram<br />
| Type = Subsidiary<br />
| Founded = 2010<br />
| Industry = Social Media<br />
| Official Website = https://www.instagram.com/<br />
| Logo = Instagram.png<br />
}}'''[[wikipedia:Instagram|Instagram]]''' is a global social-media platform and subsidiary of [[Meta]] since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Apr 2012 |title=Facebook to Acquire Instagram |url=https://about.fb.com/news/2012/04/facebook-to-acquire-instagram/ |url-status=live |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=[[Meta]]}}</ref> Founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram focuses on sharing photos and videos. This content can take the form of a "reel", "post", or a "story".<ref group="notes"><u>Reels:</u> Short videos similar to the format popularized by TikTok.<br><u>Posts:</u> A collection of images or videos.<br><u>Stories:</u> A temporary post that allows photos, videos, and text.</ref> Moreover, Instagram has a direct messaging service and a live streaming service built in.<br />
<br />
Instagram has been scrutinized for many consumer violations revolving around the extent of its data collection<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cuthberson |first=Anthony |date=18 Mar 2021 |title=Instagram is ‘most invasive app’, new study shows |url=https://www.the-independent.com/tech/instagram-invasive-app-privacy-facebook-b1818453.html |url-status=live |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=Independent}}</ref> and the use of said data.<br />
<br />
==Consumer-protection profile==<br />
<br />
===Privacy===<br />
<br />
*On signup, Instagram collects details such as the user's name, email, phone number, and profile information.<ref name=":0">[https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388?utm_source=chatgpt.com Privacy Policy]</ref><br />
*Through the use of the app, Instagram collects the following:<ref name=":0" /><br />
**Interactions including, likes, comments, posts, and direct messages.<br />
**Location Data.<br />
**Device Information.<br />
**Usage Data.<br />
**Content Data including metadata from photos and videos.<br />
**Information from messages including the people the user interacts with the types of messages the user sends.<br />
*Instagram shares data to 3rd parties including advertisers directly and through Meta.<ref name=":0" /><br />
*Instagram will share data with law enforcement if legally compelled.<ref name=":0" /><br />
*Instagram will analyze messages for the purpose of detecting spam, harassment, or abusive content.<br />
*Instagram uses user data to serve targeted advertisements to the user.<br />
<br />
===Transparency===<br />
<br />
*The Instagram privacy policy states how most user data is collected and stored.<br />
*Instagram allows users to download a copy of their Data through their front-ends.<br />
*It is unclear how much information is collected from user to user messages.<br />
<br />
===Freedom===<br />
<br />
*Instagram messages are not end-to-end encrypted.<br />
*Instagram, as part of Meta, has a forced arbitration clause in its terms of service.<br />
*Instagram has the ability to remove content without citing a reason.<br />
*Instagram is granted a license to use, distribute, modify, run, copy, display, and create derivative works of uploaded content.<ref name=":1">[https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870/ Terms of Service]</ref><br />
<br />
==Consumer-protection incidents==<br />
<br />
===Introduction of maps feature (Aug. 2025)===<br />
On August 6, 2025, Instagram introduced two features in their app; reposts and the map, with the latter being heavily clarified the feature is opt-in.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/instagram-new-features-connect-friends/|title=New Features to Help You Connect With Friends|work=Instagram|date=2025-08-06|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://archive.ph/wFp70|archive-date=2025-08-06|url-status=live}}</ref> Many of its users have voiced concerns with the feature being implemented, as some say their location was enabled without their knowledge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-09/instagram-location-sharing-feature-is-raising-privacy-concerns/105632212|title=Instagram's new location-sharing feature is raising privacy concerns|first1=Sohani|last1=Goonetillake|first2=Lewis|last2=Wiseman|date=2025-08-09|work=ABC News Australia|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809151515/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-09/instagram-location-sharing-feature-is-raising-privacy-concerns/105632212|archive-date=2025-08-09|url-status=live}}</ref> Other users have demanded Instagram to remove the feature altogether on the company's posts, citing the creepiness and danger posed to younger users and women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNBlO9_SVey/|title=Music: ON. World: OFF. #InTheMoment|date=2025-08-06|work=Instagram|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Jh8sm|archive-date=2025-08-08|url-status=live}}</ref> Privacy-focused users have suggested those with Instagram to disable Instagram's location services altogether through the phone's settings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1mjqyym/instagram_update_now_shares_your_live_location/|title=Instagram update now shares your live location unless you disable it|author=u/SideHonest9960|date=2025-08-07|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://archive.ph/QSSrc|archive-date=2025-08-11|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<gallery><br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (1).PNG|Statement from Instagram on August 8th clarifying how the maps feature is integrated with existing accounts.<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (2).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (3).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (4).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (5).PNG<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
===Instagram shows gore and violence videos to select users (Feb. 2025)===<br />
In what Instagram calls an "error", some users were shown videos of graphic death scenes and animal abuse in their Reels feed for about a day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milmo |first=Dan |date=2025-02-28 |title=Meta apologises over flood of gore, violence and dead bodies on Instagram |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/28/meta-apologises-over-flood-of-gore-violence-and-dead-bodies-on-instagram |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Meta apologizes, fixes glitch that caused violent video recommendations on Reels |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/27/tech/meta-apologizes-glitch-violent-reels}}</ref><br />
<br />
This also serves as an example for the kind of content Meta staff has to review when flagged and raises questions about the mental health impact watching this type of content all day has on the workers tasked with content moderation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=‘It scars you for life’: Workers sue Meta claiming viewing brutal videos caused psychological trauma |url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/10/19/it-scars-you-for-life-workers-sue-meta-claiming-viewing-brutal-videos-caused-psychological}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Instagram allows AI to be trained on user data (Mar. 2023)===<br />
In March 2023, Instagram updated its Terms of Service to allow them to use collected data to train artificial intelligence.<ref name=":1" /> This data includes uploaded photos and videos and the creators were not given compensation. This new TOS was mandatory to accept to continue using the platform.<br />
<br />
Opt-out was available in regions where this was legally required, but involved a ridiculously complicated process using a variety of [[Dark pattern|dark patterns]] to dissuade users from taking Meta up on the offer. The form included a freeform text box where the user had to explain their reasons for opting out and suggested that all requests would be manually reviewed and reserved the right to reject the user's wishes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grinkevičius |first=Paulius |date=2024-05-28 |title=Meta uses your data to train AI, and it doesn't want you to opt out |url=https://cybernews.com/tech/meta-trains-ai-on-your-data/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=cybernews}}</ref><br />
<br />
===New iOS Camera Activity Indicator shows camera activity at unexpected moments (2020–2022)===<br />
Some users reported their camera being accessed while they were not using a feature of the app that ordinarily involves taking pictures or videos. This was revealed by a new indicator in iOS 14 and the same thing was repeated when Android 12 introduced a similar indicator.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why does Instagram use my camera whenever i exit the app? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/s85mv2/why_does_instagram_use_my_camera_whenever_i_exit/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why is Instagram accessing my camera at unexpected moments ? (The new privacy feature from Android 12 shows a red dot at the top right when an app is accessing sensitive hardware) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/qiyofe/why_is_instagram_accessing_my_camera_at/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram weirdly accessing camera? (more in first comment) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/ssqeyi/instagram_weirdly_accessing_camera_more_in_first/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
In a separate incident '''[I think November 2022]''', users reported suddenly seeing their camera feed behind the Instagram interface when scrolling their feed or interacting with posts '''[SOURCES NEEDED – very difficult to find the reports on this].''' <br />
<br />
Instagram claimed that nothing was recorded in these instances. Their responses never addressed concerns that the camera feed might be used for things like analysing the face for emotional reaction to ads, recording location information or similar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Becker |first=Leo |date=2020-07-27 |title=Unerwünschter iPhone-Kamerazugriff: Instagram verweist auf Bug |url=https://www.heise.de/news/Unerwuenschter-iPhone-Kamerazugriff-Instagram-verweist-auf-Bug-4855850.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Heise Online [German]}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Instagram uses personal data for advertisements without proper consent (Nov. 2020)===<br />
<br />
=== Instagram data breach (May 2019) ===<br />
In May 2019 Instagram suffered a big data breach which exposed sensitive information of almost 50 milion influencers and brands such as phone numbers and email adresses.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 20, 2019 |title=Millions of Instagram influencers had their contact data scraped and exposed |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/20/instagram-influencer-celebrity-accounts-scraped/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 23, 2019 |title=Instagram data breach! 49 million users’ sensitive data exposed online |url=https://cisomag.com/instagram-data-breach-49-million-users-sensitive-data-exposed-online/}}</ref>. It was later stated that no more than 350.000 accounts were affected.<br />
<br />
===Controversy regarding the data privacy of minors (Mar. 2019)===<br />
Since at least early 2019 until mid-2023 Meta has taken minimal action regarding closing accounts of children under 13, after requests sent from their parents and friends. Meta was actively collecting personal information of these children without their parents consent. This led to a lawsuit against the company in which it was stated that Meta violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Meta collected children’s data from Instagram accounts, unsealed court document alleges |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/26/business/meta-collecting-data-children-facebook}}</ref><br />
<br />
Concerns were also present regarding exposing children to potential harmful content from a young age, which could impact their well-being<br />
<br />
===Meta shares personal data from millions without consent. (Mar. 2018)===<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Facebook]]<br />
*[[Snapchat]]<br />
*[[TikTok]]<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
<references group="notes" /><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Instagram]]<br />
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]</div>Venhttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Instagram&diff=19565Instagram2025-08-15T18:48:26Z<p>Ven: Added information regarding the data privacy of children and their neglect by the company</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Incomplete}}<br />
{{InfoboxCompany<br />
| Name = Instagram<br />
| Type = Subsidiary<br />
| Founded = 2010<br />
| Industry = Social Media<br />
| Official Website = https://www.instagram.com/<br />
| Logo = Instagram.png<br />
}}'''[[wikipedia:Instagram|Instagram]]''' is a global social-media platform and subsidiary of [[Meta]] since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Apr 2012 |title=Facebook to Acquire Instagram |url=https://about.fb.com/news/2012/04/facebook-to-acquire-instagram/ |url-status=live |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=[[Meta]]}}</ref> Founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram focuses on sharing photos and videos. This content can take the form of a "reel", "post", or a "story".<ref group="notes"><u>Reels:</u> Short videos similar to the format popularized by TikTok.<br><u>Posts:</u> A collection of images or videos.<br><u>Stories:</u> A temporary post that allows photos, videos, and text.</ref> Moreover, Instagram has a direct messaging service and a live streaming service built in.<br />
<br />
Instagram has been scrutinized for many consumer violations revolving around the extent of its data collection<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cuthberson |first=Anthony |date=18 Mar 2021 |title=Instagram is ‘most invasive app’, new study shows |url=https://www.the-independent.com/tech/instagram-invasive-app-privacy-facebook-b1818453.html |url-status=live |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=Independent}}</ref> and the use of said data.<br />
<br />
==Consumer-protection profile==<br />
<br />
===Privacy===<br />
<br />
*On signup, Instagram collects details such as the user's name, email, phone number, and profile information.<ref name=":0">[https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388?utm_source=chatgpt.com Privacy Policy]</ref><br />
*Through the use of the app, Instagram collects the following:<ref name=":0" /><br />
**Interactions including, likes, comments, posts, and direct messages.<br />
**Location Data.<br />
**Device Information.<br />
**Usage Data.<br />
**Content Data including metadata from photos and videos.<br />
**Information from messages including the people the user interacts with the types of messages the user sends.<br />
*Instagram shares data to 3rd parties including advertisers directly and through Meta.<ref name=":0" /><br />
*Instagram will share data with law enforcement if legally compelled.<ref name=":0" /><br />
*Instagram will analyze messages for the purpose of detecting spam, harassment, or abusive content.<br />
*Instagram uses user data to serve targeted advertisements to the user.<br />
<br />
===Transparency===<br />
<br />
*The Instagram privacy policy states how most user data is collected and stored.<br />
*Instagram allows users to download a copy of their Data through their front-ends.<br />
*It is unclear how much information is collected from user to user messages.<br />
<br />
===Freedom===<br />
<br />
*Instagram messages are not end-to-end encrypted.<br />
*Instagram, as part of Meta, has a forced arbitration clause in its terms of service.<br />
*Instagram has the ability to remove content without citing a reason.<br />
*Instagram is granted a license to use, distribute, modify, run, copy, display, and create derivative works of uploaded content.<ref name=":1">[https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870/ Terms of Service]</ref><br />
<br />
==Consumer-protection incidents==<br />
<br />
===Introduction of maps feature (Aug. 2025)===<br />
On August 6, 2025, Instagram introduced two features in their app; reposts and the map, with the latter being heavily clarified the feature is opt-in.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/instagram-new-features-connect-friends/|title=New Features to Help You Connect With Friends|work=Instagram|date=2025-08-06|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://archive.ph/wFp70|archive-date=2025-08-06|url-status=live}}</ref> Many of its users have voiced concerns with the feature being implemented, as some say their location was enabled without their knowledge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-09/instagram-location-sharing-feature-is-raising-privacy-concerns/105632212|title=Instagram's new location-sharing feature is raising privacy concerns|first1=Sohani|last1=Goonetillake|first2=Lewis|last2=Wiseman|date=2025-08-09|work=ABC News Australia|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809151515/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-09/instagram-location-sharing-feature-is-raising-privacy-concerns/105632212|archive-date=2025-08-09|url-status=live}}</ref> Other users have demanded Instagram to remove the feature altogether on the company's posts, citing the creepiness and danger posed to younger users and women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNBlO9_SVey/|title=Music: ON. World: OFF. #InTheMoment|date=2025-08-06|work=Instagram|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Jh8sm|archive-date=2025-08-08|url-status=live}}</ref> Privacy-focused users have suggested those with Instagram to disable Instagram's location services altogether through the phone's settings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1mjqyym/instagram_update_now_shares_your_live_location/|title=Instagram update now shares your live location unless you disable it|author=u/SideHonest9960|date=2025-08-07|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://archive.ph/QSSrc|archive-date=2025-08-11|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<gallery><br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (1).PNG|Statement from Instagram on August 8th clarifying how the maps feature is integrated with existing accounts.<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (2).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (3).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (4).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (5).PNG<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
===Instagram shows gore and violence videos to select users (Feb. 2025)===<br />
In what Instagram calls an "error", some users were shown videos of graphic death scenes and animal abuse in their Reels feed for about a day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milmo |first=Dan |date=2025-02-28 |title=Meta apologises over flood of gore, violence and dead bodies on Instagram |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/28/meta-apologises-over-flood-of-gore-violence-and-dead-bodies-on-instagram |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Meta apologizes, fixes glitch that caused violent video recommendations on Reels |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/27/tech/meta-apologizes-glitch-violent-reels}}</ref><br />
<br />
This also serves as an example for the kind of content Meta staff has to review when flagged and raises questions about the mental health impact watching this type of content all day has on the workers tasked with content moderation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=‘It scars you for life’: Workers sue Meta claiming viewing brutal videos caused psychological trauma |url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/10/19/it-scars-you-for-life-workers-sue-meta-claiming-viewing-brutal-videos-caused-psychological}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Instagram allows AI to be trained on user data (Mar. 2023)===<br />
In March 2023, Instagram updated its Terms of Service to allow them to use collected data to train artificial intelligence.<ref name=":1" /> This data includes uploaded photos and videos and the creators were not given compensation. This new TOS was mandatory to accept to continue using the platform.<br />
<br />
Opt-out was available in regions where this was legally required, but involved a ridiculously complicated process using a variety of [[Dark pattern|dark patterns]] to dissuade users from taking Meta up on the offer. The form included a freeform text box where the user had to explain their reasons for opting out and suggested that all requests would be manually reviewed and reserved the right to reject the user's wishes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grinkevičius |first=Paulius |date=2024-05-28 |title=Meta uses your data to train AI, and it doesn't want you to opt out |url=https://cybernews.com/tech/meta-trains-ai-on-your-data/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=cybernews}}</ref><br />
<br />
===New iOS Camera Activity Indicator shows camera activity at unexpected moments (2020–2022)===<br />
Some users reported their camera being accessed while they were not using a feature of the app that ordinarily involves taking pictures or videos. This was revealed by a new indicator in iOS 14 and the same thing was repeated when Android 12 introduced a similar indicator.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why does Instagram use my camera whenever i exit the app? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/s85mv2/why_does_instagram_use_my_camera_whenever_i_exit/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why is Instagram accessing my camera at unexpected moments ? (The new privacy feature from Android 12 shows a red dot at the top right when an app is accessing sensitive hardware) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/qiyofe/why_is_instagram_accessing_my_camera_at/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram weirdly accessing camera? (more in first comment) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/ssqeyi/instagram_weirdly_accessing_camera_more_in_first/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
In a separate incident '''[I think November 2022]''', users reported suddenly seeing their camera feed behind the Instagram interface when scrolling their feed or interacting with posts '''[SOURCES NEEDED – very difficult to find the reports on this].''' <br />
<br />
Instagram claimed that nothing was recorded in these instances. Their responses never addressed concerns that the camera feed might be used for things like analysing the face for emotional reaction to ads, recording location information or similar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Becker |first=Leo |date=2020-07-27 |title=Unerwünschter iPhone-Kamerazugriff: Instagram verweist auf Bug |url=https://www.heise.de/news/Unerwuenschter-iPhone-Kamerazugriff-Instagram-verweist-auf-Bug-4855850.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Heise Online [German]}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Instagram uses personal data for advertisements without proper consent (Nov. 2020)===<br />
<br />
===Controversy regarding the data privacy of minors (Mar. 2019)===<br />
Since at least early 2019 until mid-2023 Meta has taken minimal action regarding closing accounts of children under 13, after requests sent from their parents and friends. Meta was actively collecting personal information of these children without their parents consent. This led to a lawsuit against the company in which it was stated that Meta violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Meta collected children’s data from Instagram accounts, unsealed court document alleges |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/26/business/meta-collecting-data-children-facebook}}</ref><br />
<br />
Concerns were also present regarding exposing children to potential harmful content from a young age, which could impact their well-being<br />
<br />
===Meta shares personal data from millions without consent. (Mar. 2018)===<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Facebook]]<br />
*[[Snapchat]]<br />
*[[TikTok]]<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
<references group="notes" /><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Instagram]]<br />
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]</div>Venhttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Instagram&diff=19535Instagram2025-08-15T14:14:57Z<p>Ven: Provided 2 additional sources to "Instagram shows gore and violence to select users (Feb. 2025)"</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Incomplete}}<br />
{{InfoboxCompany<br />
| Name = Instagram<br />
| Type = Subsidiary<br />
| Founded = 2010<br />
| Industry = Social Media<br />
| Official Website = https://www.instagram.com/<br />
| Logo = Instagram.png<br />
}}'''[[wikipedia:Instagram|Instagram]]''' is a global social-media platform and subsidiary of [[Meta]] since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Apr 2012 |title=Facebook to Acquire Instagram |url=https://about.fb.com/news/2012/04/facebook-to-acquire-instagram/ |url-status=live |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=[[Meta]]}}</ref> Founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram focuses on sharing photos and videos. This content can take the form of a "reel", "post", or a "story".<ref group="notes"><u>Reels:</u> Short videos similar to the format popularized by TikTok.<br><u>Posts:</u> A collection of images or videos.<br><u>Stories:</u> A temporary post that allows photos, videos, and text.</ref> Moreover, Instagram has a direct messaging service and a live streaming service built in.<br />
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Instagram has been scrutinized for many consumer violations revolving around the extent of its data collection<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cuthberson |first=Anthony |date=18 Mar 2021 |title=Instagram is ‘most invasive app’, new study shows |url=https://www.the-independent.com/tech/instagram-invasive-app-privacy-facebook-b1818453.html |url-status=live |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=Independent}}</ref> and the use of said data.<br />
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==Consumer-protection profile==<br />
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===Privacy===<br />
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*On signup, Instagram collects details such as the user's name, email, phone number, and profile information.<ref name=":0">[https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388?utm_source=chatgpt.com Privacy Policy]</ref><br />
*Through the use of the app, Instagram collects the following:<ref name=":0" /><br />
**Interactions including, likes, comments, posts, and direct messages.<br />
**Location Data.<br />
**Device Information.<br />
**Usage Data.<br />
**Content Data including metadata from photos and videos.<br />
**Information from messages including the people the user interacts with the types of messages the user sends.<br />
*Instagram shares data to 3rd parties including advertisers directly and through Meta.<ref name=":0" /><br />
*Instagram will share data with law enforcement if legally compelled.<ref name=":0" /><br />
*Instagram will analyze messages for the purpose of detecting spam, harassment, or abusive content.<br />
*Instagram uses user data to serve targeted advertisements to the user.<br />
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===Transparency===<br />
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*The Instagram privacy policy states how most user data is collected and stored.<br />
*Instagram allows users to download a copy of their Data through their front-ends.<br />
*It is unclear how much information is collected from user to user messages.<br />
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===Freedom===<br />
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*Instagram messages are not end-to-end encrypted.<br />
*Instagram, as part of Meta, has a forced arbitration clause in its terms of service.<br />
*Instagram has the ability to remove content without citing a reason.<br />
*Instagram is granted a license to use, distribute, modify, run, copy, display, and create derivative works of uploaded content.<ref name=":1">[https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870/ Terms of Service]</ref><br />
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==Consumer-protection incidents==<br />
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===Introduction of maps feature (Aug. 2025)===<br />
On August 6, 2025, Instagram introduced two features in their app; reposts and the map, with the latter being heavily clarified the feature is opt-in.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/instagram-new-features-connect-friends/|title=New Features to Help You Connect With Friends|work=Instagram|date=2025-08-06|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://archive.ph/wFp70|archive-date=2025-08-06|url-status=live}}</ref> Many of its users have voiced concerns with the feature being implemented, as some say their location was enabled without their knowledge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-09/instagram-location-sharing-feature-is-raising-privacy-concerns/105632212|title=Instagram's new location-sharing feature is raising privacy concerns|first1=Sohani|last1=Goonetillake|first2=Lewis|last2=Wiseman|date=2025-08-09|work=ABC News Australia|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809151515/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-09/instagram-location-sharing-feature-is-raising-privacy-concerns/105632212|archive-date=2025-08-09|url-status=live}}</ref> Other users have demanded Instagram to remove the feature altogether on the company's posts, citing the creepiness and danger posed to younger users and women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNBlO9_SVey/|title=Music: ON. World: OFF. #InTheMoment|date=2025-08-06|work=Instagram|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Jh8sm|archive-date=2025-08-08|url-status=live}}</ref> Privacy-focused users have suggested those with Instagram to disable Instagram's location services altogether through the phone's settings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1mjqyym/instagram_update_now_shares_your_live_location/|title=Instagram update now shares your live location unless you disable it|author=u/SideHonest9960|date=2025-08-07|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://archive.ph/QSSrc|archive-date=2025-08-11|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<gallery><br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (1).PNG|Statement from Instagram on August 8th clarifying how the maps feature is integrated with existing accounts.<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (2).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (3).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (4).PNG<br />
File:Instagram response maps feature (5).PNG<br />
</gallery><br />
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===Instagram shows gore and violence videos to select users (Feb. 2025)===<br />
In what Instagram calls an "error", some users were shown videos of graphic death scenes and animal abuse in their Reels feed for about a day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milmo |first=Dan |date=2025-02-28 |title=Meta apologises over flood of gore, violence and dead bodies on Instagram |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/28/meta-apologises-over-flood-of-gore-violence-and-dead-bodies-on-instagram |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Meta apologizes, fixes glitch that caused violent video recommendations on Reels |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/27/tech/meta-apologizes-glitch-violent-reels}}</ref><br />
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This also serves as an example for the kind of content Meta staff has to review when flagged and raises questions about the mental health impact watching this type of content all day has on the workers tasked with content moderation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=‘It scars you for life’: Workers sue Meta claiming viewing brutal videos caused psychological trauma |url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/10/19/it-scars-you-for-life-workers-sue-meta-claiming-viewing-brutal-videos-caused-psychological}}</ref><br />
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===Instagram allows AI to be trained on user data (Mar. 2023)===<br />
In March 2023, Instagram updated its Terms of Service to allow them to use collected data to train artificial intelligence.<ref name=":1" /> This data includes uploaded photos and videos and the creators were not given compensation. This new TOS was mandatory to accept to continue using the platform.<br />
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Opt-out was available in regions where this was legally required, but involved a ridiculously complicated process using a variety of [[Dark pattern|dark patterns]] to dissuade users from taking Meta up on the offer. The form included a freeform text box where the user had to explain their reasons for opting out and suggested that all requests would be manually reviewed and reserved the right to reject the user's wishes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grinkevičius |first=Paulius |date=2024-05-28 |title=Meta uses your data to train AI, and it doesn't want you to opt out |url=https://cybernews.com/tech/meta-trains-ai-on-your-data/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=cybernews}}</ref><br />
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===New iOS Camera Activity Indicator shows camera activity at unexpected moments (2020–2022)===<br />
Some users reported their camera being accessed while they were not using a feature of the app that ordinarily involves taking pictures or videos. This was revealed by a new indicator in iOS 14 and the same thing was repeated when Android 12 introduced a similar indicator.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why does Instagram use my camera whenever i exit the app? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/s85mv2/why_does_instagram_use_my_camera_whenever_i_exit/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why is Instagram accessing my camera at unexpected moments ? (The new privacy feature from Android 12 shows a red dot at the top right when an app is accessing sensitive hardware) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/qiyofe/why_is_instagram_accessing_my_camera_at/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram weirdly accessing camera? (more in first comment) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/ssqeyi/instagram_weirdly_accessing_camera_more_in_first/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><br />
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In a separate incident '''[I think November 2022]''', users reported suddenly seeing their camera feed behind the Instagram interface when scrolling their feed or interacting with posts '''[SOURCES NEEDED – very difficult to find the reports on this].''' <br />
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Instagram claimed that nothing was recorded in these instances. Their responses never addressed concerns that the camera feed might be used for things like analysing the face for emotional reaction to ads, recording location information or similar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Becker |first=Leo |date=2020-07-27 |title=Unerwünschter iPhone-Kamerazugriff: Instagram verweist auf Bug |url=https://www.heise.de/news/Unerwuenschter-iPhone-Kamerazugriff-Instagram-verweist-auf-Bug-4855850.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Heise Online [German]}}</ref><br />
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===Instagram uses personal data for advertisements without proper consent (Nov. 2020)===<br />
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===Controversy regarding the data privacy of minors (Mar. 2019)===<br />
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===Meta shares personal data from millions without consent. (Mar. 2018)===<br />
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==See also==<br />
*[[Facebook]]<br />
*[[Snapchat]]<br />
*[[TikTok]]<br />
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==Notes==<br />
<references group="notes" /><br />
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==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Instagram]]<br />
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]</div>Ven