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  • Writer's pictureGahsh

Beware Instagram Wrapped: The Risks of Sharing Your Data with Third-Party Apps


Man, holding a mobile phone with the Instagram home screen showing

Introduction

The popularity of social media wrapped-up summaries, like Spotify Wrapped, has taken the internet by storm, offering users a fun way to look back on their year's digital activities. Recently, a new third-party app called "Instagram Wrapped" has emerged, promising a similar experience for Instagram users. However, before you rush to see your end-of-year summary, it's essential to be aware of the potential dangers and concerns surrounding apps like this.


Is Instagram Wrapped Real?

Instagram Wrapped is indeed a real app that's available on the App Store. It claims to provide users with an in-depth analysis of their Instagram data, including statistics about who interacted with their posts, how many people have blocked them, and more. However, questions about the accuracy of the data it presents have raised concerns among users.

Tattooed man on laptop computer and mobile device at the same time

Data Accuracy Concerns

Users who have tried Instagram Wrapped have reported inconsistent and changing figures with each attempt. For instance, the number of users who have supposedly blocked them varied significantly within just a few minutes. Many users have expressed skepticism about the app's accuracy, and some have gone so far as to say they wouldn't trust it.


Meta's Strict Policies

One significant concern is that Instagram Wrapped may violate Meta's (Instagram's parent company) strict policies regarding user data privacy. Meta has consistently maintained a firm stance against revealing any details about its users. Importantly, Instagram does not provide information about who visits your profile, which raises questions about how Instagram Wrapped claims to collect this data.

Indian man holding up a laptop that reads you’ve been hacked on the screen

Data Exposure Risks

To use Instagram Wrapped, users must share their personal Instagram account data with the third-party app. This requirement has understandably raised concerns about the exposure of user data. Wrapped Labs, the developer behind Instagram Wrapped, acknowledges in their privacy policy that they collect personally identifiable information and use third-party services for data collection. While they claim to do their best to protect user data, they cannot guarantee its absolute security.


Conclusion: Proceed with Caution

While Instagram Wrapped may seem like a fun way to review your Instagram activities, it's essential to exercise caution and consider the potential risks. Sharing personal data with third-party apps always comes with a degree of uncertainty, especially when those apps promise insights that social media platforms like Instagram do not readily provide. If you decide to use Instagram Wrapped, be aware of the data you're sharing and the potential privacy implications.


Ultimately, it's crucial to prioritize your online privacy and make informed decisions when using third-party apps that access your social media accounts. Protecting your data should always be a top priority in the digital age.

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