Here’s why Instagram is removing certain followers

If you’ve logged in on Instagram today and wondered why your follower count dropped, then know that you’re not alone.

Instagram made an announcement that they’re removing the likes, follows and comments made by accounts obtained through third-party apps. The site states it’s their “responsibility to ensure these experiences aren’t disrupted by inauthentic activity.”

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The app built a tool that will help identify these types of accounts.

“We’ve built machine learning tools to help identify accounts that use these services and remove the inauthentic activity,” Instagram stated on their blog. “This type of behavior is bad for the community, and third-party apps that generate inauthentic likes, follows and comments violate our Community Guidelines and Terms of Use.”

Accounts who use these services will receive an in-app message notifying them the inauthentic likes, follows and comments were removed.

The app also stated in their blog that while it’s “introduc[ing] bad behavior into the Instagram community,” it’s also making their accounts less secure. As a result, users who are involved with the third party apps will be asked to change their password.

“It looks like you may have shared your username and password with an app offering followers or likes,” the alert states. “We’re removing activity like new followers from these apps to protect our community from inauthentic activity. Change your password to stop them from accessing your account.”

The social media site also states the removals will be ongoing. If accounts continue to use third-party apps, they “may see their Instagram experience impacted.”

What do you think of Instagram removing inauthentic activity? Sound off in the comments below!