Instagram’s latest feature can help protect your message history from hackers. The app adds a new “recently deleted” feature that adds an extra step before a message can be permanently removed from your account. The feature is similar to the ‘recently deleted’ folder in the Photos app on iOS: when you delete a message, it appears in a separate section of your profile for 30 days. These messages are not visible to anyone else, but they will remain visible to the account owner in case you are unsure and want to fix them.
According to Instagram, it is also an added safeguard against hackers who often target Instagram accounts. People whose accounts have been hacked often have all their posts deleted before they can regain access, which can be a devastating loss to those who rely on their Instagram presence for their business or to keep track of family photos.
Adding “recently deleted,” Instagram says users must verify their identity via text message or email before they can restore or permanently delete a message. The extra step is essentially a form of two-step verification for removing messages from the app (but more importantly, not a substitute for using two-factor authentication to protect your account in the first place).
Of course, if you lose access to your account due to a hack, you won’t be able to access your deleted messages right away. And going back to a compromised Instagram account can be a daunting task in and of itself. But it will at least make it harder for a hacker to wipe out all of your posts as you work your way through Instagram support.