Instagram Introduces Account Deletion Option on iOS to Comply with Apple's New Policy Requirements

Meta-owned social media app Instagram has rolled out a new feature that allows users to delete their account directly from the mobile app on iOS. This move comes in response to Apple’s updated App Store Review Guidelines, which mandate all apps offering account creation to also include account deletion within the app.

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No More Need for Desktop Login

Until now, users had to log in to Instagram through a web browser on a desktop or mobile device to delete their account. The new feature is available within the iOS app and enables users to opt for account deletion while keeping the option to temporarily disable their account before choosing to delete it.

Temporary Disable Option

The temporary disable option, which was previously available in the app, allows users to deactivate their accounts without deleting them from Instagram’s servers. However, this move doesn’t offer any information about the full deletion process within the app itself, leading many users to simply deactivate their accounts instead of deleting them fully.

Meta Spokesperson Statement

"We want to give people more ways to control their experience and time spent on Instagram," said a Meta spokesperson in a statement. "We’ve rolled out the option to delete your account in Settings on iOS, and you’ll still have the option to temporarily disable your account before choosing to delete it."

30-Day Cooling-Off Period

If users proceed with account deletion on the app, they will still have 30 days to stop Instagram from removing their account. This is in line with Apple’s guidelines, which allow for a certain timeframe after initiation of account deletion. However, this option works similarly to deactivation, providing users with a cooling-off period during which time they may reconsider whether they want to leave the app entirely.

Deletion vs Deactivation

While deleting an account removes all associated personal data and account records, deactivating an account does not. Apple’s guidelines specify that apps must offer "delete the entire account record, along with associated personal data." Simply offering deactivation options will no longer be sufficient to comply with these rules.

Other Apps Coming into Line

Meta-owned WhatsApp and Signal already offer account deletion within their apps. However, Spotify, a frequent Apple critic, only offers a link to an account deletion page, while Telegram does not provide an option to delete an account at all. TechCrunch has reached out to these companies to ask if they plan to update their apps to comply with Apple’s policy and will update if we hear back.

Full Text of Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines

"If your app supports account creation, you must also offer account deletion within the app. Apps may not require users to enter personal information to function, except when directly relevant to the core functionality of the app or required by law."
"You may include additional options, but only offering to temporarily deactivate or disable an account is insufficient."

Conclusion

Instagram’s new feature provides users with a convenient option to delete their accounts directly from the mobile app. As other apps begin to comply with Apple’s updated guidelines, it will be interesting to see how this move affects user behavior and retention rates on social media platforms.

Future Developments

As more companies update their apps to comply with Apple’s policy, users may find themselves with a range of options for deleting or deactivating their accounts. This could lead to a shift in the way people interact with social media platforms and potentially impact user engagement and retention rates.

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