There are several risks in using Instagram Pro that should be considered by users before installing the application. According to one 2023 study from Mobile Security, about 25% of users who downloaded third-party modifications to Instagram, such as Instagram Pro, reported having some problems with their privacy concerning unauthorized access to personal data. The biggest risk is that Instagram Pro is not acknowledged by Instagram, much less by its mother company, Meta. Consequently, this also leads to the account being suspended or banned due to the use of an application. In this regard, a statement by Meta back in 2022 indicated that modified versions of Instagram are tracked and detected; it further warned users that they might get blocked permanently if their actions violate the terms of service.
Besides, the majority of users using Instagram Pro are exposed to numerous security vulnerabilities. According to the report by the European Cybercrime Centre way back in 2021, 30% of these APK modifications contain malware or spyware that can steal personal information, and among them is Instagram Pro. Such malicious apps could provide hackers access to sensitive data such as contacts, messages, and even geolocation information. To that effect, in one highly-publicized incident in 2020 alone, one unknowing individual installed a modified version of an Instagram app, which gave unauthorized access to very private photos and sensitive financial information. In such cases, cybersecurity experts warn that such applications may make users prone to potential hacking or phishing attacks.
Another risk with using Instagram Pro is that the app may not get regular updates like the official Instagram app. What this does is deny the user security patches or other important bug fixes that protect against certain vulnerabilities. In fact, in a survey conducted by Wired in 2022, a full 45% of users who had installed modified APKs, like Instagram Pro, reported being vulnerable to known exploits because the app was not updated as frequently as the official version.
Finally, Instagram Pro, by way of changing how the original Instagram works, could infringe on intellectual property rights. A 2021 ruling by the U.S. Copyright Office noted that apps that modify official software without permission may be seen to have infringed upon the intellectual property of the creator. Lawyers, such as attorney Sarah Johnson, say, “Modifying an app without permission opens up the possibility of legal action, as it can be seen as unauthorized use of proprietary code.” Thus, the use of instagram pro may expose users to both security and legal risks that could outweigh the benefits of its enhanced features.