Instagram's latest map update sparks worries about users' privacy protection
Social media giant Instagram has rolled out a new location-sharing feature, allowing users to share their real-time location on a map with a select group of friends or followers. The feature, which is off by default, provides users with granular control over their privacy settings [1][3][4].
How Does Instagram's Location-Sharing Work?
Once enabled, your location updates in real-time whenever you use the Instagram app or return to it after it's been in the background. You can choose who sees your location: options include all friends you follow back, your Close Friends list, only selected friends, or no one. Additionally, you can customise to prevent your location from being shared at specific places or with specific people [1][4].
The map is currently available in the U.S. and will soon be rolled out globally [1].
Managing and Disabling Location Sharing
To manage or disable location sharing, open Instagram and tap the menu (three-line icon). Go to "Settings and activity" → "Story, Live, and Location" → "Location Sharing". From there, you can turn the feature on or off and adjust who can see your location [2].
Ensuring Privacy with Instagram's Location-Sharing Feature
To ensure privacy when using this feature, it's recommended to keep the feature off unless you want to share, select a narrow, trusted group rather than broad sharing, use the option to exclude certain locations or people, and regularly review your location sharing settings to maintain control [1][3][4].
Controversy Surrounding Instagram's Location-Sharing Feature
The introduction of Instagram's location-sharing feature has sparked concerns among users due to potential safety risks. Some users have reported instances where their home address was visible to their followers, and others have discovered their location being shared without their knowledge [5].
In a more significant controversy, a federal jury in San Francisco found Meta, Instagram's parent company, guilty of exploiting health data gathered by the Flo app, with the jury concluding that Meta used women's sensitive health data to better target money-making ads [6].
User Responses and Advice
In response to the new location-sharing feature, reality television personality Kelley Flanagan posted a warning about the new feature on TikTok and provided instructions on how to turn it off. Instagram user Lindsey Bell also reported issues with her home address being visible to her followers [7].
Adam Mosseri, Instagram's chief, emphasised that location sharing on Instagram does not happen without the user's consent. He also highlighted that the feature is designed with opt-in consent and granular privacy controls [3].
Comparison with Other Platforms
Instagram's location-sharing feature is similar to one offered by Snapchat since 2017 [8].
The damages in the suit against Meta have yet to be determined, and the location-sharing feature on Instagram is intended for friends to share posts from "cool spots" [9]. Users have the option to turn off location sharing whenever they wish on Instagram, providing them with control over their privacy.
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/28/22996575/instagram-location-sharing-map-feature-launched-us-privacy-controls [2] https://www.instagram.com/help/576802586660938 [3] https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/28/22996575/instagram-location-sharing-map-feature-launched-us-privacy-controls [4] https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/how-to-use-instagram-location-sharing-map-feature/ [5] https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/how-to-use-instagram-location-sharing-map-feature/ [6] https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/meta-found-guilty-of-exploiting-health-data-collected-by-the-flo-app/ [7] https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/how-to-use-instagram-location-sharing-map-feature/ [8] https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/28/22996575/instagram-location-sharing-map-feature-launched-us-privacy-controls [9] https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/28/22996575/instagram-location-sharing-map-feature-launched-us-privacy-controls
Health-conscious users might want to exercise caution when using Instagram's location-sharing feature, as it could potentially expose their whereabouts to a wider social media audience. Instead, they could explore technology that integrates only with trusted health applications, ensuring a more secure and private environment for managing their health data.
Moreover, the social media world might evolve to prioritize entertainment while maintaining privacy, as concerns over location-sharing features on popular platforms like Instagram and Snapchat arise. This shift could lead to the development of innovative solutions that combine fun and engaging content with strict control over user information.
