Social media users are voicing criticism towards Instagram due to a new feature they believe might “potentially put you at risk”.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, introduced several notable updates to the photo-sharing app on August 6. These updates have already been implemented for users in the US and will soon be available globally.
In a press release regarding the changes, Meta emphasized three primary features: reposts, and a ‘friends’ tab allowing users to view the content their friends have liked, created, reposted, or commented on.
Users have observed that these features seem to incorporate some of the best aspects of other social media platforms. For example, it offers an easy access point to friends’ short-form videos akin to TikTok, and the ‘repost’ feature bears resemblance to Twitter’s sharing options.
However, there is one specific function that has not been well-received among users.
Meta has introduced the Instagram Map, which allows users to share their last active location with friends and favorite creators.
“From checking out stories from friends who’ve gone to a concert or finding a new place to hang out from a local creator’s reel, there’s content to help you and your friends connect with the world around you,” Meta stated.
Despite Meta’s assurance that location sharing is off by default unless users opt-in, many are alarmed by the feature’s existence. Users report the ability to see friends’ precise locations, “down to the street names and landmarks”.
Many have taken to Twitter to advise others to ensure their location settings are disabled on Instagram.
“TURN YALL LOCATION OFF ON INSTAGRAM RIGHT NOW AND I’M BEING SO SERIOUS !!!!” one user cautioned, while another described it as a ‘dangerous feature’.
Another user offered guidance on disabling location settings within the app: “Go into the three lines and into your ‘story live and location’ settings. From there, you should be able to toggle your location sharing and permissions.”
Concerns have also been raised about potential misuse of the new feature. One user pointed out: “Turning on location services on Instagram can expose your whereabouts and potentially put you at risk. While convenient for some features, sharing your location publicly can be exploited by stalkers, hackers, and even criminals to target you or your belongings.
“It’s crucial to be mindful of the risks and adjust your privacy settings accordingly.”
Meta’s press release explains that users can tailor the location feature, choosing who among their followers they share the map with, and it can be deactivated in specific places or with specific people.
Meta clarified: “If you use location sharing, your location is updated whenever you open the app or return to the app if it’s been running in the background. You can turn off location sharing at any time.”
Parents also have the ability to manage their children’s or teens’ ‘location sharing experience’. Meta notes that parents will be alerted if their child begins sharing their location, provided they have supervision enabled.
“You can decide whether your teen has access to location sharing on the map and see who your teen is sharing their location with,” Meta added.
UNILAD has reached out to Meta for comment.