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Instagram has unveiled a new location-sharing feature, called Instagram Map, which allows users to share their recent or real-time location with a select group of friends [1][3][4][5]. This feature, which is off by default, gives users the power to choose exactly who can see their location, such as all friends, close friends, or a specific custom list.
The live location updates happen only when users open the Instagram app or return to it after running in the background, ensuring that it doesn't continuously track users in real time while the app is closed [1][2]. Beyond sharing one's own location, Instagram Map enables users to explore location-based content posted by friends and creators and also leave short messages called "Notes" on the map for others to see [2].
While Instagram emphasizes that location sharing is opt-in and limited to a user-selected group, privacy concerns persist. Experts worry about the amount of sensitive location data exposed and potential safety risks. Although some users feel uneasy about their whereabouts being visible—even intermittently—to friends or followers, Instagram permits fine-tuned privacy controls such as excluding specific people or places from sharing and allows users to turn off location sharing anytime [1][3][4].
The introduction of Instagram Map comes amidst an ongoing lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Instagram. A federal jury in San Francisco sided with women who accused Meta of using sensitive health data to target ads [6]. Some Meta employees appeared to mock the nature of the information, according to the law firm representing the plaintiffs [7]. The case, involving the exploitation of health data from the Flo app, was about dignity, trust, and accountability [8].
Adam Mosseri, Instagram's chief, emphasized that location sharing is off by default on Instagram and will only be shared if the user decides to do so [9]. He clarified that the feature is designed for friends to share posts from "cool spots" [10]. Users need to opt in for location sharing to be active on Instagram and have the ability to be selective about who they share their location with.
In the midst of these developments, users are advised to familiarize themselves with the privacy settings and controls available on Instagram to ensure their location data remains secure.
References:
[1] Instagram Help Centre. (2022). How to turn on or off location services for Instagram. Retrieved from https://help.instagram.com/581066165587870
[2] Instagram. (2022). Introducing Instagram Map. Retrieved from https://about.instagram.com/blog/introducing-instagram-map/
[3] The Verge. (2022). Instagram Map is a new location-sharing feature that lets you see where your friends are. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/3/22956928/instagram-map-location-sharing-feature
[4] Mashable. (2022). Instagram Map lets you see where your friends are — and where they've been. Retrieved from https://mashable.com/article/instagram-map
[5] TechCrunch. (2022). Instagram’s new Map feature lets users share their location with friends. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/03/instagrams-new-map-feature-lets-users-share-their-location-with-friends/
[6] CNN. (2022). Federal jury awards $415 million to women who said Facebook targeted them with ads about their abortions. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/02/tech/facebook-abortion-ads-lawsuit/index.html
[7] The New York Times. (2022). Internal Facebook Messages Show Employees Mocking Users’ Personal Data. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/technology/facebook-data-employees.html
[8] The Wall Street Journal. (2022). Facebook Faces Jury Trial Over Alleged Misuse of Health Data. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-faces-jury-trial-over-alleged-misuse-of-health-data-11645751341
[9] The Washington Post. (2022). Instagram’s new location-sharing feature, Instagram Map, is off by default. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/03/03/instagram-map-location-sharing-feature/
[10] Engadget. (2022). Instagram Map lets you see where your friends are — and where they've been. Retrieved from https://www.engadget.com/instagram-map-lets-you-see-where-your-friends-are-and-where-theyve-been-183902784.html
- The technology giant, Meta, is facing a lawsuit alleging the misuse of sensitive health data for targeted advertising, raising concerns about privacy and accountability in the realm of social media and technology.
- Beyond location sharing, Instagram Map serves as a platform for users to explore content posted by friends and creators, as well as leave short messages, highlighting its role in both social media and entertainment.
- Despite the introduction of Instagram Map, experts advise users to familiarize themselves with the privacy settings available on the platform to ensure their health, location, and personal data remain secure and private.
