Instagram tool accidentally exposed some user passwords

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The woes and security faux pas Instagram and its parent company Facebook doesn’t seem to end. It was recently reported that Instagram’s Download Your Data tool had a security flaw that accidentally leaked passwords in plain text. The tool was designed to let users get a file of all the pictures, comments, and other information they’ve shared on the platform be downloadable. It was rolled out in April to comply with new data privacy regulations in Europe as well as address any privacy concerns users had in the middle of the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Unfortunately, there was a security issue that included passwords being sent in plaintext in the URL. And for some reason, these were stored on Facebook’s servers, too. But the company said these have since been deleted. The issue has also been fixed, according to Instagram.

According to a spokesperson from the company, only a “small number of people” were affected and they were informed if they were affected by the security vulnerability. If you didn’t hear anything from Instagram, it means you’re safe. But if you’ve used the tool, it might be better to start updating those passwords and activating two-factor authentication for good measure. And if you use that password for other accounts, better update passwords there, too.

Source: Digital Trends

Instagram will now let you share IGTV videos on Instagram Story

Being able to add a link to an IGTV videos used to be limited to business accounts. But now, Instagram will let all its users share IGTV videos on Instagram Story. You just need to tap on the paper airplane icon and it’ll show you an option to “Add video to your story.” Your followers can just tap on the preview to watch the entire video in IGTV. The feature works similar to how users can repost stories they’ve been mentioned in.

Source: The Verge

Instagram testing out feature to let you tap through posts instead of scroll through them

Suprateek Bose

You thought Instagram was a time suck before, this new feature the social network is testing might just amplify that. Remember how you just tap through Stories to see the next one? Well, Instagram is trying this out with posts, in case, you know, you get tired of scrolling. It’s trying this out with some users and their Explore tabs. And since the Explore tab is filled with content Instagram’s algorithm thinks you’re interested in, we can already imagine what damage this can cause when it comes to trying to stay away from it. And if you do have access to this test, be careful, you might end up double-tapping and liking a post you didn’t intend to.

Source: TechCrunch

Instagram uses machine learning to fight online bullying

Instagram is using machine learning to help put a stop to the spread of bullying on the social media platform. At the same time, the company wants to "spread kindness," at least when it comes to the Stories feature. Right now, you can report bullying content. But with machine learning Instagram believes it will be easier to spot any abusive language in captions or bullying photos. The flagged photos will be directed to the company's Community Operations team for review. Instagram is rolling out the new technology in the coming weeks. The company's bullying comment filter is will also be able to detect and hide any of these comments on live videos.

As for what's new in Stories, there are new filters that puts hearts on the screen in selfie mode and users are being encouraged to tag a friend when they use it. When you turn it to the rear camera, it encourages you to add kind comments onto the image in different languages, if you want.

Source: SlashGear