JAKARTA - Registering or creating an Instagram account is not difficult. All it takes is an email address, so the user will have an Instagram account for social media.
Unfortunately, this convenience has a bad side effect. The reason is, the account registration system allows someone to create a fake or bot account. Where these accounts can be used to increase the number of followers or followers.
In fact, not a few are using these accounts to spread false information and hate speech on the Instagram platform. Anticipating this, Instagram designed a new registration system that allows users to enter identity data before creating an account.
"Starting today, we will start asking people to confirm who is behind the account when we see a potential behavior pattern that is not authentic," said Instagram in its official statement as quoted by Business Insider, Friday, August 14.
Later, new users will be asked to enter information, such as an identity number or National Identity Card, passport documents, and a SIM card that can be confirmed. After that Instagram will verify the data, for 30 days, before new users can access their Instagram account.
"By asking the people behind the accounts to confirm their data, we will be able to better understand when accounts try to mislead their followers, hold them accountable, and keep our community safe," continued Instagram.
T-82 days till the US election. 🗳Get more info with our new Voting Information Center where you can register to vote, learn how to vote by mail and more. Just head to your Instagram profile → tap the menu in the upper right → tap "2020 US Election." pic.twitter.com/8MtFIiX1Wv
- Instagram (@instagram) August 13, 2020
This method also prevents the possibility, fake accounts or bots being used for campaigning or creating viral content. "This includes accounts that could potentially engage in inauthentic behavior in mobilizing followers automatically, such as bot accounts," wrote Instagram.
Unfortunately, Instagram did not explain when this new policy would be implemented. This is because the account identity verification system will only be established before the 2020 presidential election in the United States (US).
Even so, Instagram's parent company, Facebook is also battling the spread of election-related misinformation on its platform, which is in coalition with other tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Reddit, Verizon Media and the Wikimedia Foundation.
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