Instagram wants to crack down on bots with badge verification
Facebook subsidiary Instagram wants to introduce identity checks and thus take action against bots. However, the checks will only be carried out on accounts with conspicuous behavior.
"We want content on Instagram to be authentic and come from real people - not bots or people who want to mislead others," Instagram writes on its official blog. This is the Facebook subsidiary's justification for the step to carry out ID checks in the future. Most users, however, are to remain unmolested. A check is only planned for accounts that show conspicuous behavior that points to bots or fraudsters.
Proof of identity introduced
Like all major social media platforms, Instagram is struggling with a flood of bots and abuse from scammers, including political misinformation and fake fans. In this very battle, the photo and video service is now relying on identity verification if an account appears suspicious. This should happen, for example, if there are indications of a bot, there are signs of possibly "coordinated, inauthentic behavior" (keyword election manipulation), or other conspicuous features such as an excessive number of subscribers from another country.
Passport or driver's license
In case of an identity check, an account can be temporarily restricted, according to the official blog. According to Instagram information, an official photo ID such as a passport or driver's license, on which the full name, age and a photo are clearly recognizable, is suitable as proof of identity in any case, but two weaker documents can also suffice. According to Instagram, the data used will not be published and will be deleted 30 days after the end of the test. The account can be fully used again after the audit. If someone does not comply with the request to disclose their identity, the account remains restricted or is deactivated. (pte)
