Most purported “free” Instagram-DM surveillance tools exploit unauthorized API wrappers, phishing payloads or sideloaded binaries that embed malware. These approaches breach Instagram’s Terms of Service and violate GDPR/CCPA, introducing risks such as credential theft, remote code execution and data exfiltration. No legitimate zero-cost solution exists; ethical monitoring requires licensed, consent-based agents. Enterprise MDM or parental-control platforms (e.g., mSpy) employ secure APIs, end-to-end encryption and audit logs, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing liability.