The robots.txt file for Instagram indicates a complex interplay between access permissions for automated crawlers. It includes various Disallow: / and Disallow: /<user> directives that create restrictions on main and user-specific sections of the website. These rules are generally applicable to all user agents as defined under User-agent: *, albeit with a few different paths being disallowed for specific bots like Adsbot.

Yet, there are instances where certain paths are allowed but under specific conditions. The allowances include an example such as Allow: /api/graphql/ for Adsbot. These sections might gain selective access depending on the bot's identity. On the whole, Instagram’s robots.txt embodies a stance that permits limited access under specific conditions for web scraping. Despite this, there are clear restrictions in place, limiting the data availability for standard web scrapers.

The terms of service for Instagram include explicit statements about automated access and data extraction. The terms state:

"You may not access or collect data from our Products using automated means (without our prior permission) or attempt to access data you do not have permission to access."

This covers scraping, crawling, or other automated collection across both public pages and logged-in areas unless prior permission is granted. While enforceability can depend on whether a user has explicitly agreed (for example, by creating an account or otherwise assenting to the terms), Instagram/Meta frames this restriction as broadly applicable to use of the service.

Instagram provides official APIs (such as the Instagram Graph API and Basic Display API) for authorized access subject to scopes, rate limits, and policy compliance. The terms and related policies indicate that bypassing barriers like login requirements, rate limiting, or CAPTCHAs is not permitted, and they reserve consequences such as IP blocking, content removal, account suspension or termination, and potential legal action. Practically, scraping is forbidden unless done with prior express permission or through the official APIs under their specific conditions.