Understanding Instagram's Privacy Measures

1. Privacy Mechanisms on Instagram

As a widely-used social media platform, Instagram places great emphasis on safeguarding user’s privacy. This includes shielding account activities from other users, particularly when it comes to who views their profile or stalks their posts. Currently, Instagram does not provide inbuilt functions to see who views your profile or stalks you. This feature is pivotal at keeping users’ activities on the platform discreet and subsequently, upholding privacy standards.

2. Instagram Insights for Business Profiles

Business profiles on Instagram do have access to Instagram Insights, which shows statistics related to the reach and engagements of posts and stories. However, this tool does not specifically disclose who stalks your Instagram. It provides metrics concerning the audience demographics, but not their identities or specific user profiles.

3. Instagram’s Policy Towards Third-Party Apps

Instagram has strict policies against third-party applications that claim to offer such services (i.e., to show who views your profile or stalks you). These apps often contravene Instagram’s privacy regulations and are therefore not recommended. Moreover, most of these apps do not work, and using them can compromise your account's security.

Best Practices to Identify Potential Instagram Stalkers

1. Be Observant of Likes, Comments, and Follows

While Instagram doesn’t permit you to see exactly who views your profile or posts, users who engage with your content frequently might be the ones stalking your Instagram. Regular likes, comments, or follows from certain users could indicate that they visit your profile often. Take note of such persistent engagements as they could suggest potential stalkers.

2. Use Instagram's 'Last Seen' Feature

The 'Last Seen' feature, available over Instagram direct messages, can inform you when a user was last active on Instagram. If someone whom you suspect is stalking your Instagram tends to go online shortly after you post, it could be an indication that they are regularly checking your content.

3. Assess the Viewers List of Instagram Stories

Instagram does disclose who has viewed your stories, making it a valuable source to identify potential stalkers. Since stories are only available for 24 hours, people who view them are likely those who regularly check your profile. The viewers list might therefore give hints about potential stalkers.

Maintaining Your Instagram Security

1. Leveraging Privacy Settings

If you are concerned about privacy on Instagram, the platform provides a number of settings to protect your content. One key feature is making your account private, which only allows followed users to view your posts. Equally, the option to block users can shield your content from specific individuals.

2. Safeguarding against Unwanted Interactions

Instagram has implemented measures to protect users from unwanted interactions, such as the Restrict feature. When a user is restricted, their comments on your posts will only be visible to them unless approved by you, helping you to manage unwelcome engagements from potential stalkers.

3. Avoiding Third-Party Applications Breaching Privacy

As previously mentioned, third-party applications that claim to show who views or stalks your Instagram not only violate Instagram’s terms but can also pose security risks. This includes, but is not limited to, hacking, phishing, and spamming. Users are therefore strongly advised against using such apps.