Instagram May Allow Verified Business Accounts To Restrict Other Individuals From Viewing Their Followers & Following

A forthcoming update to Instagram's features is expected to restrict the visibility of followers from another user's account, potentially enhancing privacy for users, according to information shared by Alessandro Paluzzi.

The functionality in question is exclusively available to verified Business accounts boasting a follower count exceeding four thousand. Consequently, the broader Instagram user base retains the ability to peruse one another's follower lists without hindrance. Perhaps Instagram's rationale lies in the belief that only verified accounts can attain sufficient popularity to justify such restrictions, leaving the rest to focus on updating their security features. Regardless, this sheds light on Meta's approach to treating verified, often celebrity-owned accounts differently from the average users who constitute a significant portion of the social media conglomerate's revenue.

Frances Haugen, a notable former employee of Facebook turned whistleblower, disclosed a series of internal documents containing memos and discussions. These revelations provided insights into how Meta handles harmful content—namely, by strategically disseminating it to boost user engagement. However, the current focus is not on this aspect. Haugen's leaked documents also unveiled Facebook's inclination towards leniency with high-profile celebrity accounts. These accounts were granted more leeway than the standard three-strike rule for content that could lead to profile removal, often allowing them to post more provocative material that an average user would not be permitted.

While I harbor no objections to provocative content or the idea of celebrities and large businesses maintaining a degree of privacy, it does raise concerns. Individuals fixated on celebrities can be intrusive, going as far as invading private spaces. The last thing anyone desires is drawing their attention to mutual connections. However, this leniency represents a subtle form of elitism that Meta should consider phasing out, especially amid the ongoing legal challenges it faces on a regular basis.