Why the new Instagram API changes hurt privacy

If you haven’t heard yet Instagram updated their API this April and changes are taking effect pretty much now.

What did they change? A few things, but the biggest change they made to their API does not allow many platforms like Later or Tint to help you repost content from other accounts.

For example, with Tint you could systematically comment on people’s photos asking for permission to repost. That’s gone.

With Later you could search for people’s accounts and add their photos to your library. When you wanted to post them you HAD TO give credit and mention the photo’s owner, otherwise you couldn’t post. That’s gone too.

In an effort to combat privacy issues, Instagram made these updates. I think they are more hurtful than helpful.

By making it harder to repost, Instagram has not eliminated people’s need to repost other people’s content but just made it more difficult to give them proper credit.

Will people stop reposting because it has gotten harder? No! Most people’s accounts rely on content syndicated from other accounts.

So, what will happen?

People will go back to their old ways: Take screenshots, download the images via the Chrome developer tools or websites like DownloadGram.

Will people still get credit?

Maybe, maybe not. By eliminating the ease of using platforms like Tint and Later to repost (which automatically forced you to give credit) Instagram has made it more likely for people to just repost traditionally in a way where they not only don’t have to give credit, but giving credit becomes more difficult (think downloading 100 of pictures from different accounts — who can keep track what came from where?).

So, I think the changes definitely did some damages in this regard. However, I would love to hear your opinion on this. I’m by no means an expert and I am sure there are upsides to these changes, so fire away and let me know your thoughts.