Instagram to ask users for ID proof

Instagram will begin asking users to upload IDs to confirm their identification when they perceive a pattern of potential inauthentic behavior.

There are a number of signals that can prompt Instagram to ask a user to confirm their identification by providing official IDs. Few of which are coordinated inauthentic behavior, automation, bot accounts, majority of a user's followers being from a different country from their location.

A user may temporarily lose access to their account while its under review. While the submission of IDs, the user may also be asked to upload a photo of self to confirm the ID submitted is theirs.

Also Read: All you need to know about the Fake Followers social media scam

Users will have to follow on-screen instructions while uploading IDs for review. Birth certificate, Driver’s license, Passport, and more of such official IDs will be considered for submission.

The platform claims, "IDs will be stored securely and deleted within 30 days once our review is completed". A user choosing not to submit IDs for review may see a reduced distribution of their posts or may get their account disabled.

Given the track record of Facebook in handling user data, the effort to curb inauthentic behavior on the platform holds a bigger risk of access to personally identifiable information (PII). All users are advised to read all information provided by Instagram related to the submission thoroughly before submitting their official IDs.