Meta may be secretly scanning the camera roll of mobile phones
Is Meta Secretly Checking Your Camera Roll? The Reality and Tips to Avoid It
Have you ever opened an app to post a photo on social media and wondered, "Huh, does this app already know my camera roll?"
ZDNet reported on August 22, 2025 that Meta (the company operating Facebook and Instagram) might be secretly scanning users' camera rolls behind the scenes.
How Are They “Peeking”?
Meta's apps can sometimes pre-load and display photos and videos that users have not yet uploaded within the app.
While this may seem convenient, behind the scenes it might involve "access to your device's camera roll."
In other words, photos before posting—such as private travel photos or screenshots you don't intend to show anyone—might be known to Meta.
Why Is This a Problem?
At first glance, it might seem like a "convenient feature," but from a privacy perspective, it raises serious concerns.
Photos you don't intend to post may be analyzed
Your "lifestyle patterns" based on what photos you take can be fully exposed
There is a risk of misuse for AI-driven ad targeting and user profiling
If just by using social media your device is being deeply peeked into, it’s no laughing matter.
Checking and Countermeasures (For General Users)
According to ZDNet, you can check and control "photo and video access permissions" from the Meta app settings.
On iOS: Settings → Privacy → Photos to restrict access
On Android: Settings → Apps → Instagram/Facebook → Permissions and change photo access to "Don't allow"
However, depending on the app design, it cannot be ruled out that permissions might be used in ways users do not notice.
How Can AntiSpyPhone Help Avoid This?
AntiSpyPhone has a system that allows detailed permission management for each app.
For example, you can set "Allow Instagram to use the camera but not allow access to the camera roll (storage)."
This way, the app cannot access anything other than photos explicitly uploaded by the user.
Additionally, it has a function to block unnecessary background communications, so even if the app tries to secretly send data in the background, it can be blocked.
With a simple yet powerful rule of "everything except what I explicitly allow is blocked," you can protect your privacy.
Summary
The report that Meta is secretly checking camera rolls is a strong warning for users.
Behind the "convenient pre-loading feature," there is a risk of privacy invasion.
Countermeasures include reviewing app permissions and, if possible, setting up an environment where permissions can be strongly controlled.
Your smartphone holds many photos filled with everyday moments and precious memories.
To prevent them from being "peeked at without permission," why not check your permission settings once again?
