Instagram Debuts New Security Tools

Instagram today announced three security updates intended to drive trust in the platform and lessen the likelihood of fraudulent, and potentially malicious, accounts influencing users.

First, the social networking app, which confirmed a security incident earlier this month, announced plans to help users evaluate the authenticity of large Instagram accounts. Via an "About This Account" menu item, users will be able to access data including the date the account joined Instagram, where it's located, accounts with shared followers, username changes in the past year, and any ads the account might be running.

Accounts with broad reach will be able to review this information in September before it reaches a global audience, said Instagram co-founder and CTO Mike Krieger, in a blog post.

In another update, Instagram – which typically lets large accounts (public figures, celebrities, global brands) verify their identities with a blue checkmark next to their usernames – has launched a new way to request verification. To do so, an account holder will have to access a verification request form within the app and provide a username, full name, and legal or business identification.

Finally, users will soon have the option to use third-party authenticator apps to access their accounts, according to Krieger. Setup can be done within the app; if you already use an authentication app on your phone, Instagram will automatically find it and send a login code.

Read more details here.