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 :)
Hard disagree. This, like all of privacy decisions, is entirely situational.
I’m setting out to the exact thing OP is, for both plying my craft, and accessing local community post about resources and events.
Don’t get me wrong, I fucking hate Meta, but I also hate being unhoused. I’ve spent months going back and forth weighing such a decision’s impact on my situation and determined the value I can get out of it to be worthwhile.
Your comment is absolutist and absurd, and total turn off for those interested in joining various privacy communities.
Exactly, it’s easy to say “just don’t use Instagram” when you don’t really need it but if you have a business you NEED to promote sadly that’s one of the best options. It’s like if someone living in a well communicated city advised everyone to just get rid of their cars because oil is bad.
Meta & privacy are like oil & water. The only absolute here is that there is no privacy in meta products.
If someone is interested in privacy communities they’ll listen to all angles, even the absurd & absolutist, so that they can learn more about privacy, which is the whole point of joining the community. The attitude in your comment is actually the total turn off. Way to be open-minded & be willing to engage in constructive conversation.
Don’t use the mobile app and only use it in a FF container with uBO. This will limit your posting options though, as some stuff like reels are only available on the mobile app I believe.
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.
Is this a serious question? There is NO WAY to use Meta products privately. Private Meta is literally an oxymoron.
Privately? Sure, basically impossible.
OP is saying they have to use it, and they want to most private option for their use case. Comments like this acting like privacy is all or nothing is a surefire way to stop people from being interested in online privacy.
You’ll know that you’re doing it right when they lock your account and won’t let you login.
These companies profit off of your data. They don’t take kindly to users who don’t let them link your account to a profile that they can sell.
