Instagram's 'Map' function sparks concerns over privacy invasions and potential harassment
Instagram's New Map Feature Sparks Privacy Concerns
Instagram, the popular social media platform, has recently launched a new feature called "Instagram Map." According to the CEO of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, the feature keeps location sharing off by default and requires users to actively enable location sharing to appear on the map [1].
The feature shows the current location of friends who have opted in, using device location services which must be enabled for the feature to work. Users' locations appear on the map only if they choose to share them, and location-tagged content like posts, Reels, Stories, and Notes can appear on the map for 24 hours [1].
While Instagram uses standard device controls for location permissions (iOS and Android let users control which apps can access GPS data and when), privacy concerns have been raised because the exact location may be shared without continuing active consent beyond the initial opt-in. It is unclear whether Instagram reactivates location sharing if a user revisits the map feature [1].
Some users have reported that their locations are being displayed without opting in, which Meta, Instagram's parent company, is currently investigating [1]. This has led to concerns about the potential for malicious tracking, particularly for vulnerable users such as those with restraining orders or those seeking to hide their whereabouts [2].
The U.S. Department of Defense has assessed the privacy risks of the Instagram Map feature for military personnel and concluded it poses a minimal operational security risk, noting that Instagram is considered an "unmanaged app" and not authorized for official use on government equipment [2]. However, authorities remain cautious given the potential for inadvertent exposure of sensitive location data [2].
Critics are expressing concerns about the new feature, stating it could expose sensitive geolocation data. The Instagram Map controversy has ignited a wider conversation about online privacy and real-time location sharing [3]. Meta is attempting to reassure users that no unwanted data is being exposed with the Instagram Map feature [3].
Meta is verifying that the Instagram Map feature is functioning correctly and as intended. The company is also racing to address concerns about the potential risks associated with the feature [3]. Users can control and disable location sharing at any time to restrict this [1].
The Instagram Map feature has sparked a debate about the balance between social connectivity and privacy [4]. It has also ignited a wave of outrage among social media users, with some labelling it as "dangerous" [4]. Meta is emphasizing that the Instagram Map feature is "off by default" and requires "double consent" before enabling location sharing [1].
References: [1] Instagram Help Centre [2] The Verge [3] TechCrunch [4] BBC News
The InstagramMap feature, introduced on Instagram, serves not only as a social-connectivity tool but also as an entertainment element, displaying location-tagged content like posts, Reels, Stories, and Notes for 24 hours [1]. The ongoing controversy surrounding the Instagram Map, however, revolves around the potential exposure of sensitive geolocation data [3], raising concerns about privacy and the balance between social connectivity and privacy [4].
