## Update: Fake Tim Cook Instagram Account Taken Down by Instagram
Last month, Apple Fellow Phil Schiller made headlines when he joined Instagram and Threads amid the controversy surrounding Twitter (now X). While other Apple executives are also active on Instagram, one important name was noticeably absent – Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. However, it now appears that Cook has joined the Meta-owned social network, or so it was initially believed.
A profile under the username @tim.d.cook appeared on Instagram in July 2023. The first post, shared on August 20, celebrated World Photography Day with two photos taken with an iPhone. The second post, created on August 23, featured a 30-second ad for the campaign in partnership with 3DPets, which was launched last week.
This led some users to speculate if the account truly belonged to Tim Cook, considering his limited social media presence. Unlike Phil Schiller, Cook is not known for publishing personal content on platforms like Twitter. However, it turns out that the account is a fake, as confirmed by sources familiar with the matter to 9to5Mac.
Despite being fake, the account managed to gain following from several Apple Vice Presidents, including Lisa Jackson and Alan Dye. Additionally, some Apple employees were also found to be following the account. The motive behind why these executives followed the fake Tim Cook account remains unclear.
Although Apple is making efforts to take down the account, questions still linger regarding why its executives were following it in the first place. It should be noted that Apple has an official Instagram account where photos and videos taken with the iPhone are shared.
It is crucial to remain cautious when interacting with online accounts, particularly those that claim to be official representatives or public figures. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying authenticity on social media platforms.