Instagram with Messenger icon

Instagram introduces QR codes which will open a profile from any camera app

August 20, 2020 by Arhama Altaf

With numerous exciting features and updates, Instagram has now introduced universal QR codes that can be scanned from any third-party camera app.

The feature by Instagram is designed for the convenience of users as well as business owners. Customers can trace businesses by scanning their QR codes and get information about store hours, buy items, or an option to follow the account.

According to reports, the feature was first launched in Japan.

The universal QR code update is only meant for the mobile app.

Moreover, with the latest update, QR codes are universal and now anyone can access Instagram profiles through any camera app.

QR codes can be generated by going to Settings on Instagram. The option “QR code” is listed along with others. Users have to select the QR code option. Their username or name tag will appear first but once it is saved it acts as a QR code.

Many themes for the background are available to generate QR codes. However, users have the option to select colours, emoticons, and even take selfies while generating QR codes on Instagram.

Users can also scan a QR code by going to the “Scan” option that will be given at the bottom of the screen.

Earlier in May, the most popular app had launched a “Support Small Business” sticker in stories so that users can show love to their favourite small businesses. Users simply have to add that sticker to their photo or video.

These photos and videos later can be added to a shared story where friends can see which businesses they support.

Lawsuit filed against Instagram for illegally collecting biometric data

August 18, 2020 by Arhama Altaf

A new lawsuit has been filed against Instagram for illegally collecting data on millions of people that could reach up to a half a trillion-dollar fine.

The lawsuit claims that Instagram is guilty of harvesting biometric data through its facial recognition feature.

The lawsuit says that Instagram has a face tagging tool that scans people’s faces to create face templates that are stored in its database.

Although the photo-sharing app informs users of this feature in its terms of service, the lawsuit claims that the app collects this data even if no one uses the app or agrees with the terms of service.

The lawsuit alleges, “Once Facebook captures its Instagram users’ protected biometrics, it uses them to bolster its facial recognition abilities across all of its products, including the Facebook application and shares this information among various entities. Facebook does all of this without providing any of the required notices or disclosures required by Illinois law.”

Instagram could be fined up to $1000 per violation if proved guilty for breaking the Biometric Information Privacy Act. Additionally, if it is also proved that Facebook has been collecting data illegally and has acted irrationally, then the fine could go up to $5000.

This would make a total of more than $500 billion dollars in damages which is five times higher than the net worth of CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Facebook itself is worth roughly $740 billion dollars, which is not far from the fine.

Facebook now merging Messenger chats, Instagram in new update

August 16, 2020 by Arhama Altaf

Social media giant Facebook appears to flipping the switch on integrating the chat systems for Instagram and Messenger.

This move seems to be an effort to make cross-platform messaging easier, therefore, Facebook is merging Messenger with Instagram.

There is a new update rolling out for both iOS and Android users that will pop up a message saying ‘there’s a new way to message on Instagram’ with a list of features such as a new colorful look, chat with friends on Facebook, etc.

Once the user has updated the app, the icon for Direct Messages on the top right will be replaced by the Messenger’s icon. In other words, your chats will become more colorful with messages shifting between blue and purple colors while your scroll.

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