{
  "platform": "Instagram (Meta) — Terms of Use",
  "url": "https://www.instagram.com",
  "checked": "2026-10-27",
  "domains": [
    "instagram.com"
  ],
  "browser_agent": {
    "status": "prohibited",
    "reason": "Accessing or collecting information in an automated way without Instagram's express permission is prohibited, logged in or not."
  },
  "ai_posting": {
    "status": "unclear",
    "reason": "The Terms of Use don't address AI-generated posts; Meta's separate AI-labelling policy not yet read."
  },
  "policies": [
    {
      "topic": "automation",
      "status": "prohibited",
      "conditions": "Covers automated account creation and automated access or collection, whether or not logged in, unless Instagram gives express permission.",
      "quote": "This includes creating accounts or accessing or collecting information in an automated way without our express permission, regardless of whether such automated access or collection is undertaken while logged-in to an Instagram account.",
      "source": "https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870",
      "source_updated": "2025-01-01 (effective date shown)"
    },
    {
      "topic": "account_rules",
      "status": "prohibited",
      "conditions": "No impersonating someone or something you aren't; no accounts for others without their express permission.",
      "quote": "you may not impersonate someone or something you aren't, and you can't create an account for someone else unless you have their express permission.",
      "source": "https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870",
      "source_updated": "2025-01-01"
    }
  ],
  "observed": [
    {
      "date": "2026-10-27",
      "note": "A plain HTTP fetch returned only the 'Help Center' heading; the Terms rendered fully in the browser pane after JavaScript ran."
    }
  ],
  "legit_route": {
    "summary": "No sanctioned route for browser agents found in Instagram's terms read here; automated access is prohibited. Any legitimate agent access would go through Instagram's official API or partner programmes, which this atlas has not verified.",
    "steps": [
      "Do not drive the website with a browser agent or scripts.",
      "Check the platform's official developer/API programme and its own terms before building anything.",
      "If no official route covers your use case, treat the action as not allowed."
    ],
    "sources": [
      "https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870"
    ]
  }
}