By Nikhil Cariappa Instagram will start removing fake likes, comments and follows from accounts which use third party apps to boost these features, it announced in a blog post. Instagram said that this behaviour violated its Community Guidelines and Terms of Use. In order to remove these fake likes, comments and follows, the company will: Users will be notified if Instagram removes fake likes, followers and comments from their profile Users will be urged to change their login credentials because some apps collect this information without explicit user consent. Users will receive a message regarding the privacy and security risks involved in using third-party apps to boost engagement scores The company added that it will provide more updates about removing these fake boosters in the coming weeks. In the past, Instagram used auto-detection tools to remove fake accounts. In August, Instagram introduced new tools for security and safety on the platform: more information about accounts with large followers, a form for the coveted ‘blue tick’ (verified) for accounts, and support for third-party authenticator apps. Recently, Instagram cofounders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger quit the company. The company also promoted Adam Mosseri to lead the company.
