Why screenshot notification by Instagram is a right step towards user data privacy

Instagram recently announced that it would notify users when other users took a screenshot of any of the ‘disappearing’ images, videos or **'** **Boomerang's shared** by them. Disappering images and videos  in Direct message section is the latest Instagram feature which it has lifted from, who else, Snapchat. Immediately after the announcement social media blazed with reactions and outcries about how this was a wrong move by the company. Twitter was full of reactions and memes after the announcement, as people continued to freak out about the fact that they can no longer save embarrassing and funny photos of their friends, after stalking them on Instagram.

Instagram sends alerts when you take screenshots now: https://t.co/ZGnSEzcPil pic.twitter.com/n13nuc6uSF

— Esquire (@esquire) November 28, 2016

instagram telling people when you screenshot their posts now?! pic.twitter.com/dCeG8I39Kg

— 👤 (@davontestewart) November 25, 2016

  Most of these reactions were exaggerated as Instagram will only notify the users of the screenshots for media shared in the ‘Direct’ section of the app which means that it would only work for the photos, boomerangs or videos sent directly to people using ‘Direct’ Share. The company will not notify the users if others have taken screenshots of their stories or their Instagram posts. This notification feature comes in addition to the already existing temporary **'Disappearing media' in the stories section** . Ever since the introduction of **Instagram stories** , the company has provided users with a way to share videos, images or boomerangs for just 24 hours beyond which everything you share will disappear and you or anyone else will not be able to see the media shared. Disappearing Media Even though this idea is not that new and Snapchat is entirely based on the principle of disappearing media. This principle provides an additional layer of security to the media that is going to disappear in 24 hours, by notifying the people about the names of people who have taken a screenshot and have access to the said media. [caption id=“attachment_339572” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Image Credit: REUTERS[/caption] The mere notification will go a long way in embracing and enhancing the user data privacy as the people who can potentially take screenshots know that the person will be informed about the screenshot. This isn’t a small step but in fact, a huge move which will not only improve the data privacy but also make people think about what they are sharing online. This thought process is the first in the course of being responsible for what you are posting on social media. If you are paranoid and fear privacy of the content that you plan to post on social media, then it will be best to not share it online, despite the screenshot notification. So be sure who you share those ‘happy hour party’ photos with in Instagram DM. The direct result of this move will be more self-censorship of the content that one would post on social media channels. It will help fight the online evils of cyber abuse, cyber bullying and misuse of the media posted by users on Instagram. Social Media outrage Social media outrage lasted for a while though because of the misinformation spread around by websites during their initial reports. But the fact remains that Instagram will not notify users if you take screenshots of their Instagram posts or public Instagram stories. Other criticism is only for the sake of it, as there are no functional changes to the features. Another thing that Instagram developers and in fact anyone else has assumed, is that one is more likely to send media to his/her friends in the ‘Direct’ section instead of random strangers that might threaten the privacy of the user. [caption id=“attachment_331791” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Image Credit: WhatsApp[/caption] One interesting thing to note is that social media companies like Instagram, in this case, are bashed regardless of the action or inaction. Past examples have proven where Twitter was not taking down some ISIS related accounts and in other instance, the company did not take down profiles of cyber bullies against the  **attack on Leslie Jones** . Facebook is another example where **WhatsApp started sharing data** with Facebook and privacy activists went on a mindless range about how wrong and unjust it was. People need to understand that the companies who make products are **not liable to the customer** for how they implement their rules or for any additional features. They can change their policies to suit their needs. This applies especially in the cases where companies are providing free services to customers without any charge. If you don’t like it, you have the option to opt out. Principle and paradox: Protecting consumer data The social media world is full of irony. All the major platforms run on the principle that the user, you, will share your personal data in the form of status updates, checkins, photos and videos to share with the world. Expecting privacy of data that is freely available to everyone else, is like walking on a zebra crossing with a blindfold with the traffic lights signalling green light. They need to understand the paradox and accordingly selectively share their data.  The initiative by companies to introduce features that enhance the principle of maintaining user data privacy as well as striking a balance between the sharing mechanism itself is great. ‘Disappearing media’ is such great a tool which puts the user in control of the data. This is probably the second most important user privacy tool after the introduction of **'Privacy options'** by Facebook. Companies also tweak a lot of their features depending on customer feedback and people should at least try and give it a fair usage, before raging. Screenshot notification for disappearing media is a start. It is by no means perfect and can be improved, but the fact remains that Instagram has taken an initiative at making people responsible at what content they put out in the public circle. Yes, Snapchat has done this before, but with the userbase that Instagram has, it was only logical to see this feature come onboard as well. This feature gives you the power to know who has unauthorised access to your photos / videos. But at the same time, it will hopefully make you more conscious of what you are sharing online. Come to look at it both ways, it is in your interest only.