Instagram Tests Stealth 'Read-Only' Mode for Plus Subscribers
Instagram is internally testing a 'read-only mode' for its Plus subscription, allowing users to browse profiles without liking, commenting, or following. Leaked screenshots suggest this feature could enable covert monitoring, though Meta confirms it is not currently available to the public.
Key points
- Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi discovered an internal Instagram feature called 'read-only mode' for Plus subscribers.
- The mode prevents users from liking, commenting, messaging, following, or viewing stories, effectively hiding their activity.
- Instagram confirmed to Engadget that this is an internal exploration and is not being tested externally.
- Critics worry the feature could facilitate stalking or other nefarious behaviors by removing digital footprints.
- The discovery follows recent backlash over Instagram Plus's $3.99 monthly fee and privacy concerns.
Background
Instagram Plus launched in late September 2026 at $3.99 per month, offering features like story rewatch counts. This new potential feature adds to ongoing debates about the platform's impact on mental health and privacy. Additionally, Meta recently agreed to an $18 billion settlement to improve teen safety on its platforms, highlighting broader regulatory pressures regarding user protection.
Why it matters
A read-only mode could allow users to monitor others without leaving a trace, raising significant safety and ethical concerns. While Meta states the feature is not live, its existence in development suggests potential future risks for user privacy and platform integrity.
What to watch
Meta may continue internal testing or abandon the feature entirely. If launched, it could face regulatory scrutiny or public backlash due to privacy implications. Users should monitor official announcements for any changes to Instagram Plus features.
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