--- title: "A Stalker's Tool? Instagram Develops Anonymous 'Read-Only' Mode" description: "Instagram is testing a 'Read-Only' mode for paid subscribers, allowing content viewing without digital footprints. Experts fear it could become a stalking tool." date: 2026-10-06T11:20:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/instagram-read-only-mode-stalking-risk tags: [instagram, social-media, privacy, cybersecurity, meta] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # A Stalker's Tool? Instagram Develops Anonymous 'Read-Only' Mode ![Instagram interface on a smartphone](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/06/instagram-read-only-mode-stalking-risk/instagram-read-only-mode-stalking-risk-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - Development of a 'Read-Only' mode for anonymous content viewing on Instagram. - The feature may be part of the Instagram Plus subscription. - Experts warn about potential risks for stalking. - Meta states the project is currently in the internal research phase. Instagram is actively working on a new experimental feature dubbed "Read-Only Mode." According to information released by renowned tech insider Alessandro Paluzzi on the X platform, this functionality will allow users to interact with the platform while leaving virtually no digital footprint. Upon activating this mode, the user is stripped of the ability to like, comment, send direct messages, follow new accounts, or view "stories." Analysts note that this functionality is likely to become part of the paid Instagram Plus subscription. Currently, the concept of the mode implies complete anonymity when viewing content, which raises serious concerns among cybersecurity experts. Critics argue that the feature could turn into an ideal tool for stalkers and individuals engaged in unwanted harassment, as the target of the stalking would be unable to detect the perpetrator's activity on their profile. ### Contradictory Data Despite the existence of screenshots showcasing the interface of the new feature, Meta's official stance remains reserved. Representatives of Instagram, in comments to Engadget, emphasized that this project is strictly an internal research initiative and is not currently undergoing external beta testing. At the same time, the expert community points out that even internal developments often become the basis for future releases, which requires developers to rigorously address security protocols at the early stages. ### Economic Context and Meta's Strategy The development of "Read-Only Mode" fits logically into Meta's strategy of expanding its paid services. Currently, the company offers users a diverse ecosystem of subscriptions, including Meta Verified with profile protection for $14.99 per month and Meta AI Premium packages. Integrating Read-Only Mode into the paid Instagram Plus segment may be viewed as an attempt to attract an audience that values increased privacy and the ability to consume media content without restrictions. The ethical question of implementing such functionality remains open. It is unclear how exactly Meta intends to protect users from potential cyberstalking if the feature is launched to the public. Cyber experts strongly recommend that developers implement additional profile access control mechanisms to prevent abuse of anonymity, should the "Read-Only" mode move beyond internal research. ## πŸ” Fact-Check Verification - [Π˜Π½ΡΡ‚Ρ€ΡƒΠΌΠ΅Π½Ρ‚ для сталкСров? Instagram Π³ΠΎΡ‚ΠΎΠ²ΠΈΡ‚ Ρ€Π΅ΠΆΠΈΠΌ Π°Π½ΠΎΠ½ΠΈΠΌΠ½ΠΎΠΉ слСТки Read-Only](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/instrument-stalkeriv-instagram-gotue-rezhim-1791278267.html) - Π”Π°Π½Π½Ρ‹Π΅ ΠΏΠΎΠ΄Ρ‚Π²Π΅Ρ€ΠΆΠ΄Π΅Π½Ρ‹ нСзависимым источником ΠΈ Ρ†ΠΈΡ‚ΠΈΡ€ΠΎΠ²Π°Π½ΠΈΠ΅ΠΌ прСдставитСля Meta. ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: What is the 'Read-Only' mode on Instagram? **A:** It is an experimental mode that allows users to view content without leaving digital traces, without the ability to like, comment, or send messages. ### Q: Who confirmed the development of the feature? **A:** The information was revealed by developer Alessandro Paluzzi, and Meta representatives confirmed it is an internal research project.