I want to preface this by saying that yes, I know that Instagram is bad. I am planning to get rid of it in the future but as of now I have to keep it for communication with people who are only on that platform.

So I have grapheneOS, use protonvpn (free version), use mull as my browser, and do not have google play services enabled on my phone. I do have some apps downloaded through aurora store such as Instagram, whatsapp, mychart, and mint mobile, but the rest came from f-droid.

I have noticed multiple times that after having private conversations on matrix, I get Instagram content in my feed that is scarily accurate to the conversation I had on the other platform immediately after. I know that things discussed in Instagram direct messages and group chat will give suggested content based on those conversations, but I get stuff that that is very specific to what I have ONLY discussed on matrix and didn’t look up via my browser.

So my question is how is Instagram doing this and what can I do to mitigate the spying it’s doing on my other apps. Thanks.

  • wowwoweowza@lemmy.ml
    2·
    2 months ago

    Just read most of the comments here and I feel nauseous about this.

    My job encourages instagram use.

    I think the only way around having our devices spy on our spoken face to face conversations is to have a mobile device with a removable battery. Who remembers the HTC EVO and all the phones like those? Anyone know of a good phone that offers the removable battery?

    • The Cuuuuube@beehaw.orgEnglish
      1·
      2 months ago

      I only know about Fairphone and Teracube. Having owned a Teracube I recommend not getting a Teracube

        • The Cuuuuube@beehaw.orgEnglish
          1·
          2 months ago

          Hardware specs were too constrained for regular daily use. The software updates are always way behind schedule, and the company is too small to support their warranty (I really do think they’re doing their best to do what’s right, but they’re just super slow on turnaround for support)

  • dwindling7373@feddit.itEnglish
    1·
    2 months ago

    It happens to me as well, in my instances it’s most likely the social network they tied me to. Some friends of mine are heavy Instagram users and whenever I hang out with them I get almost real time relevant ads on my isolated Instagram.

  • ExtremeDullard@lemmy.sdf.org
    1·
    2 months ago

    Keep nefarious apps in your work profile and don’t store any files in your work profile. Turn on the work profile only when you use the app, then freeze it again as soon as you’re done. Regularly clear the apps’ caches. This will limit what the spyware can spy on and how long they can spy on you.

  • tomalley8342@lemmy.world
    1·
    2 months ago

    You probably discussed it because you were aware and interested in it, and your awareness and interest showed through in your other trackable habits outside of your chatroom. You only notice when they guess your interests correctly.

    • countrypunk@slrpnk.netOP
      1·
      2 months ago

      It’s more likely than not that, but I would like to err on the side of caution and figure out a way to fix it just in case my suspicion is true.

    • PetroGuy@lemmy.ca
      1·
      2 months ago

      this is the real answer. unless you gave the app a bunch of permissions it shouldn’t have, they cannot see what you do/say in matrix. but they don’t need to. you willingly feed them enough information through location/posts/comments/private messages/friends/contacts/+a very long list of things for them you figure out your interests and serve you tailored ads.

      • Guntrigger@sopuli.xyz
        0·
        2 months ago

        I’m not so sure. I’m interested in this thread because I had a recent issue like this. I barely use Instagram, hadn’t booted the app for a month or something, only have it to support my SO’s art account. Never comment/DM, just likes. Had a lengthy in person conversation about tattoos and the idea of getting them at current location. I didnt do any searches on my phone or any other device for that matter. Don’t have any tattoos, or ever look at that content on insta (only follow art and wildlife photography accounts). Booted up Instagram that day and was getting purely adverts for local tattoos studios on my feed. Checked my permissions, all disabled. The only explanation I have is that it’s somehow still listening. That can’t possibly be a coincidence.

        • noodlejetski@lemm.ee
          1·
          2 months ago

          The only explanation I have is that it’s somehow still listening.

          or the other person participating in the conversation had looked them up.

          • Guntrigger@sopuli.xyz
            0·
            2 months ago

            I had considered that, but that would mean they are collating and amalgamating data coming from a single IP, which is almost as bad as listening to my microphone. Both are data gathering without my permission.

            • noodlejetski@lemm.ee
              1·
              2 months ago

              they are collating and amalgamating data coming from a single IP

              lol no shit. of course they’re aggregating location data, this is how, among other examples, some therapists ended up having their patients recommended as Facebook friends in the past.

              if they see someone being frequently in the same location you are and at the same time you are, they will leverage your relationship to serve you ads based on their (and, presumed by the algorithm, shared to some extent) interests.