"Instagram's 'Maps' function sparks concerns about stalking and harassment"
In the digital age, the conversation about online privacy and real-time location sharing has taken centre stage. Amidst this backdrop, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is focusing on ensuring the safety and privacy of its users, especially in the wake of the controversy surrounding the Instagram Map feature.
The Instagram Map, a new tool launched by the platform, allows users to share their last active location. However, the controversy surrounding this feature has sparked a wave of criticism from social media users, raising concerns about the potential risks of real-time location sharing on social media platforms.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has clarified that the Instagram Map feature is "off by default" and requires "double consent" before enabling location sharing. Despite these measures, the feature has caused controversy related to privacy concerns. Some users have mistakenly believed that location sharing was activated automatically upon the update, causing alarm on social media. However, Instagram officials have clarified that only those who explicitly opt-in can share their location.
Privacy experts and users worry about the potential risks of exposing real-time physical locations to others, especially given Meta’s history with data and privacy issues. Another source mentioned reports from users claiming that their locations were being displayed without their knowledge or consent. However, it appears that these instances may be due to user error rather than the intended design of the feature.
Even with location sharing off, users may still see locations tagged in friends’ recent Stories or Reels on the map, which adds to the perception of location exposure without explicit consent.
Meta is committed to addressing user concerns and ensuring the safety and privacy of its users. The company is currently racing to reassure users and verify that no unwanted data is being exposed. Meta's efforts to address the controversy include verifying that no unwanted data is being exposed and working to address concerns about the potential exposure of sensitive geolocation data.
The controversy surrounding Instagram Map has sparked a wider conversation about online privacy and real-time location sharing. Critics have expressed outrage over the feature, citing concerns about exposing sensitive geolocation data. The feature has been described as "dangerous" due to the potential for malicious tracking, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as those with restraining orders or those seeking to hide their whereabouts.
In summary, Instagram Map requires active user consent and double confirmation to share live location, but confusion about the default settings and concerns about privacy risks have sparked controversy around the feature. As the conversation continues, Meta will need to address these concerns to regain the trust of its users.
[1] TechCrunch. (2021). Instagram Map: How it works, privacy concerns, and more. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2021/05/11/instagram-map-how-it-works-privacy-concerns-and-more/
[2] Wired. (2021). Instagram's New Location Sharing Feature Is Causing Privacy Concerns. [online] Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/instagram-location-sharing-feature-privacy-concerns/
[3] The Verge. (2021). Instagram is launching a new feature that lets you share your location with friends. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/22415452/instagram-location-sharing-feature-map-privacy-concerns
[4] The Guardian. (2021). Instagram's new location-sharing feature sparks privacy concerns. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/11/instagram-new-location-sharing-feature-sparks-privacy-concerns
- Amidst the ongoing debate about real-time location sharing on social media, critics have voiced concerns about the Instagram Map feature, claiming it could potentially expose sensitive geolocation data.
- Despite Instagram's attempts to address privacy concerns with the Instagram Map, some users still worry about the potential risks of real-time location sharing on the platform, fuelling discussions about online privacy.
