An imposed restriction on an Instagram account’s ability to initiate following other users. This restriction typically arises when the platform’s algorithms detect activity deemed excessive or indicative of automated behavior. For example, attempting to follow hundreds of accounts within a short period may trigger this safeguard.
The implementation of such blocks serves to maintain the integrity of the social media environment. By hindering inauthentic account growth and curbing the spread of spam or bot-driven activity, Instagram aims to foster genuine interactions. Historically, these measures evolved in response to escalating manipulation attempts aimed at inflating follower counts or disseminating unsolicited content.