Instagram

Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social media platform that was launched in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, and later acquired by Meta Platforms, Inc. in 2012. It has become one of the most influential social networks globally, with over a billion users, serving as a primary medium for content creators, brands, and individuals to showcase their lifestyles, talents, and campaigns. The platform’s features have evolved significantly, with tools like Reels, IGTV, Stories, Live videos, and the newly introduced Threads, offering users a variety of ways to engage with their audiences. It caters to a diverse demographic, though it is especially popular among millennials and Gen Z users, making it a critical tool for digital marketing, social movements, and awareness campaigns.

Instagram's ecosystem fosters both personal and professional growth. Influencers leverage the platform to build their brand, collaborate with businesses, and earn revenue through sponsorships. Brands use Instagram to reach a wide audience, utilize influencer marketing, and engage with customers. Celebrities and public figures also use it to connect with fans, share updates, and launch new ventures. The platform encourages trends like #InstaTravel, #FoodGram, and various social justice campaigns, amplifying voices and raising awareness on global issues. However, the immense popularity of Instagram has also made it susceptible to fake accounts, doctored images, and manipulated videos. False information spreads rapidly, impacting public perception and user safety.

In August 2018, BOOM fact-checked a fake Instagram account impersonating former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, which had amassed over 51,000 followers.

Ganguly publicly called out the account on Twitter, prompting BOOM to investigate its authenticity. The findings confirmed that the account was fraudulent.