// TAKE ACTION

Take Back Control

Now that you know what Instagram knows about you, here's how to limit their tracking and protect your privacy.

1

Disable Ad Personalization

Stop Instagram from using your activity to personalize ads. This won't reduce the number of ads, but they'll be less targeted.

  • Open Instagram → Settings and privacy
  • Tap Accounts Center → Ad preferences
  • Tap Ad settings
  • Turn OFF "Activity information from ad partners"
  • Turn OFF "Ads based on your activity"
  • Under "Social interactions", set to Only Me
Open Ad Settings Directly
2

Limit Data Collection

Reduce the data Instagram collects about your activity and location.

  • Go to Settings → Privacy → Activity status → Turn OFF
  • Go to Settings → Privacy → Location → Disable location access
  • Go to Accounts Center → Your information and permissions → Your activity off Meta technologies
  • Tap Clear previous activity to remove historical data
  • Turn OFF Future activity to stop ongoing collection

Clearing activity may affect how some features work, like login with Instagram on other sites.

3

Remove Advertiser Access

Companies can upload your email/phone to target you. Here's how to limit this:

  • Go to Accounts Center → Ad preferences
  • Tap Advertisers
  • Review "Advertisers who uploaded a list with your info"
  • You can hide specific advertisers, but you cannot fully opt out of list-based targeting

Unfortunately, Meta doesn't let you fully block companies from uploading your contact info. You can only hide individual advertisers after they've already targeted you.

4

Request Data Deletion (GDPR)

If you're in the EU, you have the right to request deletion of your data under GDPR. Meta must respond within 30 days.

  • Go to Settings → Accounts Center → Your information and permissions
  • Tap Delete your account and information
  • Alternatively, submit a formal request via Meta's Privacy Operations

Or send this email to Meta's Data Protection Officer:

Subject: GDPR Data Deletion Request - Instagram To: dpo@fb.com Dear Data Protection Officer, Under Article 17 of the GDPR (Right to Erasure), I hereby request the deletion of all personal data Instagram/Meta has collected about me, including but not limited to: - Inferred interests and ad targeting categories - Data received from third-party advertisers - Location history and activity data - Any shadow profile data My account details: - Instagram username: [YOUR USERNAME] - Email associated with account: [YOUR EMAIL] Please confirm deletion within 30 days as required by GDPR. Best regards, [YOUR NAME]

Note: Full data deletion requires account deletion. You can request deletion of specific data categories while keeping your account.

5

Delete Your Account (Nuclear Option)

The only way to fully stop Instagram's data collection is to delete your account.

  • First, download your data (Settings → Your activity → Download your information)
  • Go to Accounts Center → Personal details → Account ownership and control
  • Tap Deactivation or deletion
  • Select your Instagram account
  • Choose Delete account (not deactivate)
  • Follow the confirmation steps

Account deletion is permanent after 30 days. You'll lose all posts, followers, messages, and cannot reuse the same username.

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