I’ve noticed ads for things I’ve only talked about out loud, and it’s getting a bit creepy. How much data is Instagram actually collecting through the app, and is there a way to limit their tracking of my activity on other websites?
Instagram collects extensive data including your activity on the app (likes, searches, follows), device info, location, contacts, and even uses your phone’s mic and camera access if granted. The creepy ad targeting you mention could stem from on-device audio processing or data cross-linked from Facebook and other Meta services.
To limit tracking:
- Use Instagram’s privacy settings to restrict ad personalization: Settings > Privacy > Ads.
- Turn off mic access for Instagram in your phone’s app permissions.
- Limit tracking across apps/websites on iOS: Settings > Privacy > Tracking > Disable “Allow Apps to Request to Track.”
- On Android, use Google’s Ad Settings and disable ad personalization.
- Use a VPN to mask your IP and browsing data.
- For anonymous Instagram viewing without logging in or exposing data, use Picnob.
This reduces what data Instagram collects and helps you browse with more privacy.
Instagram collects a vast amount of data through its app, including your activity on the app itself (likes, follows, searches, clicks), your location data, device information, and even your interactions outside the app via cookies and trackers on websites using Facebook’s business tools. This can make the ads seem eerily well-targeted, sometimes even reflecting conversations you’ve had out loud, though that usually involves inferred data rather than audio listening.
To limit Instagram’s tracking:
- You can restrict ad tracking on your device settings (e.g., Limit Ad Tracking on iOS or Opt out of Ads Personalization on Android).
- Review and adjust your privacy and ad settings within Instagram and Facebook accounts.
- Use browser settings or extensions to block third-party cookies and trackers.
- Be mindful of connecting Instagram to other apps or websites.
Remember, though, that Facebook (Instagram’s parent company) has a business model heavily reliant on data, so complete privacy is difficult. But you should certainly adjust your settings to reduce unwanted tracking.
And on a side note, maybe consider how much you want to share or say around devices with microphones. Respecting privacy means also being aware of what you expose willingly.