Instagram's location-sharing capability stirs up concerns over privacy
Instagram's New Location Sharing Feature Sparks Privacy Concerns
Instagram's latest addition, the location sharing feature known as Instagram Map, has been met with mixed reactions, particularly due to concerns around privacy and safety. Despite Meta's assertions that the feature is opt-in and off by default, some users have reported their locations being shared without explicit consent.
Instagram Map enables users to share their real-time location with a select group of friends, close friends, or a custom list of followers. The location updates when the app is in use or running in the background [1][3][4]. However, critics and safety experts express worries that many users may not fully grasp or control these settings, potentially allowing for unwanted tracking by others [2][4].
To safeguard your privacy and ensure your location is not shared without your knowledge, follow these steps:
- Verify that the feature is turned off by default and that you have not opted in accidentally [1][3].
- Manually check and disable location sharing by navigating through Instagram's settings:
- Open Instagram
- Tap the three-line menu (≡) top right
- Select “Settings and activity”
- Navigate to “Story, Live, and Location”
- Tap “Location Sharing” and disable it [5]
- Review your location sharing list to ensure no unauthorized individuals can see your location [1].
- Regularly check privacy settings, especially after app updates, to confirm that location sharing remains off unless you explicitly activate it [2][4].
Despite Meta's assurances that Instagram Map requires explicit consent and that location is shared only with chosen people, ongoing user reports and expert concerns indicate that some users may unknowingly have their location visible. Users are advised to remain vigilant and proactive in managing these settings to protect their privacy and safety [2][4].
Initially, the location sharing feature was designed to help friends connect by sharing posts from "cool spots" [6]. However, incidents such as Lindsey Bell's home address being shown to her followers due to this feature [7] and Kelley Flanagan's warning about the feature on TikTok, labeling it as "dangerous" [8], have highlighted the need for increased user awareness and control over their location sharing settings.
[1] https://www.wired.com/story/instagram-location-sharing-privacy-concerns/ [2] https://www.techradar.com/news/instagram-location-sharing-feature-raises-privacy-concerns [3] https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/6/22602578/instagram-location-sharing-feature-launches-thread-app [4] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/aug/10/instagram-location-sharing-feature-raises-privacy-and-safety-concerns [5] https://www.theverge.com/22607223/how-to-turn-off-instagram-location-sharing [6] https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/6/22602578/instagram-location-sharing-feature-launches-thread-app [7] https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/12/22623774/instagram-location-sharing-feature-privacy-concerns-lindsey-bell [8] https://www.insider.com/kelley-flanagan-instagram-location-sharing-feature-dangerous-tiktok-2021-8
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