Art Historian’s Anguish Over Instagram Impersonation Highlights Meta’s Security Flaws

An acclaimed art historian, Ruth Millington, has become the latest victim in an Instagram impersonation case, with a fraudulent account now boasting more followers than her verified profile. Despite her multiple pleas to Meta, the platform has yet to take meaningful action, raising alarms over the effectiveness of its security policies.

This incident has reignited conversations around Meta’s role in protecting its users. While Instagram recently announced new features like Advanced DM Filters for Creators to Streamline Communication, critics argue that such tools do little to address fundamental issues like impersonation and account misuse. 

Impersonation Case Sparks Security Concerns

Ruth Millington, the author of Muse: Uncovering the Hidden Figures Behind Art History’s Masterpieces, discovered the fake account when an artist informed her about receiving messages from the impersonator. The account falsely claimed to be organizing an exhibition at the prestigious Lowry Gallery in Manchester.

Despite the account violating Instagram’s policy against impersonation, Meta’s automated response deemed it compliant with “community guidelines.” The rogue account has since amassed over 7,700 followers—surpassing Millington’s actual profile.

A Recurring Problem on Instagram

This isn’t the first time users have faced impersonation challenges on the platform. Over the years, high-profile creators and influencers have highlighted similar frustrations with Meta’s slow or absent response to security threats.

• In 2023, a study revealed that impersonation reports surged by 35%, with creators being the most targeted group.
• Industry experts emphasize the need for stricter verification processes, as automated systems often fail to address nuanced cases like these.

Meta, which owns Instagram, has been criticized for prioritizing Instagram promotion services and algorithm updates over robust security enhancements.

Expert Opinions on Meta Security Issues

Cybersecurity expert Amanda Jenkins explains, “Impersonation isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a direct threat to a person’s reputation and livelihood. Platforms like Instagram must implement real-time monitoring and escalation for verified users to prevent such cases.”

Additionally, the lack of transparency in how Meta handles security violations has fueled widespread dissatisfaction. With billions of users, the company’s reliance on automated responses is seen as inadequate for addressing complex issues.

How to Protect Yourself from Instagram Impersonation

To safeguard against such impersonation attempts, here are some proactive steps users can take:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security.
2. Report Fraudulent Accounts Immediately: Use Instagram’s in-app tools to flag violations.
3. Monitor Mentions and Messages: Stay vigilant about unusual activity linked to your profile.

While users can take precautions, the responsibility ultimately lies with Meta to enforce its guidelines and provide timely assistance in cases like Ruth Millington’s.

If you’re concerned about your Instagram presence or need to boost engagement, explore Instagram promotion services through platforms like X-Media. By working with verified influencers, X-Media ensures a safer and more impactful online presence. 

Author Bio:

Jane Doe is a seasoned journalist with over 8 years of experience covering social media trends, technology, and online security.