The phrase refers to the act of viewing content from Instagram accounts that have activated privacy settings, restricting access to their posts, stories, and follower/following lists. These accounts only allow approved followers to view their content. Attempts to bypass these restrictions are generally against Instagram’s terms of service.
Understanding the nuances surrounding access to private profiles is important for both individual users and businesses. Respecting user privacy is paramount, and attempts to circumvent established privacy settings can lead to account suspension or other penalties. Historically, third-party applications have emerged claiming to offer access, but their reliability and safety are often questionable, and their use can compromise personal information.