Instagram recently introduced a new option that allows users to share their real-time location with friends via an interactive map. Although Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, claims that the feature is designed to allow users to better connect with people and places near them, public reactions have been stormy and mostly negative.
The new Instagram map works so that a user can choose to share their last active location with the people they follow. It is important to note that this option is turned off by default and must be manually activated in the settings. However, many users on social media have expressed concern, stating that the feature can be misused and poses a security risk.
Social networks have been flooded with comments from users who think location sharing is “dangerous” and unnecessary. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote: “The Instagram map is a burglar's dream. Turn off your location. Don't let the world know where you are or when your house is empty.” Others have expressed concerns about the possibility of stalking, tracking, or privacy violations, even among acquaintances.
Meta has tried to allay concerns by claiming that users have full control over this feature—they can choose who they share their location with (close friends only, selected contacts, or no one), and parents who use supervision for their child’s accounts will be notified if their child turns on the feature. It’s also possible to hide your location from specific places or individuals.
Finally, even if you don’t share your location, you can still use the map to view public content tied to specific locations. While the goal of this feature is similar to what other apps like Snapchat offer, user reviews indicate that the boundaries of privacy are increasingly being pushed, and for many, it’s becoming unacceptable. To disable this feature, go to: Settings > Activity > Story, Live, and Location > Instagram Map Location Sharing > No One.