Why are Instagram users concerned about the new location sharing feature?

Question

Accepted Answer

Instagram Users Express Concern Over New Location Sharing Feature Due to Privacy Fears

Instagram users have voiced significant concerns regarding a recently introduced location-sharing feature, fearing potential exposure of their whereabouts without explicit consent. The feature, which allows location sharing via an Instagram map, has drawn comparisons to a similar functionality on Snapchat since 2017. Initial user reports indicated that the feature was active for some, leading to fears that personal locations, including home addresses, could be visible to a wider audience.
Unintended Location Visibility Reported by Users

Some users discovered that their location data was being shared through the new feature. For instance, user Lindsey Bell reported that her home address was visible to all her followers. This revelation, shared in response to a viral warning, highlighted a specific instance where the feature appeared to be active and broadcasting sensitive personal information without the user's direct intention.
Feature Described as "Dangerous" with Opt-Out Instructions

Following these discoveries, the feature was labelled as "dangerous" by some users, including reality television personality Kelley Flanagan. Flanagan took to social media to share her concerns with her substantial following and provided step-by-step instructions on how to disable the location-sharing functionality. This public dissemination of opt-out guidance underscores the perceived risk and the urgency felt by some users to protect their privacy.
Instagram Chief States Feature is Opt-In by Default

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, addressed the concerns by clarifying that the location-sharing feature is not active by default. He emphasised that users must consciously choose to enable and share their location, and that such sharing is limited to a selected group of individuals chosen by the user. This statement aims to reassure users that the feature requires explicit opt-in action and is not designed for passive or unsolicited data sharing.
Feature Intended for Social Connection, Not Surveillance

The new functionality was introduced with the stated intention of facilitating connections between friends by allowing them to share "cool spots." Instagram indicated that users have control over who sees their location and can deactivate the feature at any time. This contrasts with the privacy anxieties that have emerged, particularly in light of recent legal scrutiny involving Meta's handling of user data from the Flo app.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why are Instagram users concerned about the new location sharing feature?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends