Ok so here is the situation:
As many here (I guess), I dont like Meta, but since I want to promote my 3D-printed stuff more, I see my self in a position where there is no way around Instagram 🤢
So my question is, if maybe someone here already uses Instagram here “privately” or if someone has ideas on how to use it but still giving Meta as few info as possible?
My idea at the moment would be to use Mullvad for every traffic going to insta. For signup I will of course use an email with a custom-domain that is never used somewhere else and if I like other posts, I will only use the account, related to my business. My personal account is just for getting in touch with real people I know and to promote my business-account. The personal account will not have my real name and uses also a different email from a custom domain.
Thanks in advance for you comments and trust my, I really hate having to submit to Meta and their stupid social media crap…
Edit: Thanks for all your great feedback. I will def. look into all of these ideas 👍
I also forgot two things:
- I am using Linux only for this on PC and no Windows(dont know if this changes anything)
- I am using LibreWolf on Linux Mint and Waterfox on Graphene OS (of course with Ublock and Privacy Badger ;) )
There’s no point in trying to use Meta-crap “privately”, as these services main goal is to NOT respect privacy and make life miserable for anyone who dares. If you really need it for work-releated stuff, buy a second phone/device, register another e-mail - basically create separate digital identity for your “public” (non-private) life. Otherwise you will have to deal with various annoyances, like randomly logging you out, demanding SMS authentication or locking your account for some dumb reasons. Insta/FB are absolute garbage, and the last thing we should give them is our anger and stress due to dealing with their BS. It’s not good for your health folks :)
Buy a second hand phone
install a custom ROM / block all the shit corpo stuff
Make an email just for that phone
Get a temp number if needed for registration.
use a prepaid Sim or twillo or something. After registering remove the Sim and only use WiFi.
Install fdroid
install aurora store via fdroid
Install a vpn (próton is free or get mullvad)
force the vpn to always be on
then install Instagram
Dont give the app any permissions and keep private data off the phone.
Put tape over the cameras.
Good luck creating a new account as folks are suggesting as they will require like scans of your head for ID (that’s what they asked me last time I bothered trying before I realized I was better off without it)
I’m in the same boat as you in that I need Instagram for work. My approach is to create a separate work profile in GrapheneOS. I handle all of my mobile work apps in that profile using a separate VPN from all other profiles. I don’t expect to be completely free from tracking in this profile, but for my threat model I don’t mind too much. Any web queries I make in this profile I keep strictly work related.
People arguing you just shouldn’t use Instagram need to remember Instagram is a tool just like Windows, Adobe, etc. Sometimes you need a specific tool to do your job and I believe as long as you containerize that aspect of your life then you’ll be fine.
Just don’t use your work Instagram for personal stuff, not even browsing memes.
You don’t create an account. And do not save coookiies for it. Only use a web browser. This would severy limit your usage as Instagram would constantly nag you to login and deteriorate your experience. But worth it. This is how I use it.
You don’t have to go to Instagram frequently but only when someone shares a link with you.
