Instagram Clarifies Location Sharing is Optional and Not Switched On by Default

Instagram's new Friend Map feature has raised concerns about location sharing, but it is an optional feature that requires users to opt-in. The feature shows users where their friends are and places they have visited, but only if they choose to share their location. The feature is not turned on by default and users can control who sees their location by choosing a custom list, Close Friends list, or followers they follow back.

Instagram's latest feature, Friend Map, has sparked conversations about location sharing and privacy concerns. The new feature allows users to see where their friends are and places they have visited, but only if they opt-in to share their location. Friend Map is not enabled by default and users can control who sees their location by selecting a custom list, Close Friends list, or followers they follow back.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has emphasized that the feature is optional and that users have control over their location data. However, experts have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with location sharing. Tracy Chou, founder of Block Party, warns that the feature could lead to unintentional oversharing and data collection by Meta. Common Sense Media also advises families to approach the feature with caution, citing potential safety risks and social pressure [1].

To ensure their location is not visible on Friend Map, users can turn off location sharing in their app settings or delete location tags from their posts and stories. Additionally, users can choose not to share their location with specific people or in specific places. Despite these controls, there is a risk that users might unintentionally share their location with exes, professional contacts, or friends who might feel left out [2].

For those who want to share their location with someone, such as caring for an elder adult or temporarily keeping track of friends on vacation, there are better alternatives than Friend Map. The iPhone's FindMy and Messages app, for example, allow users to share their location directly and set time limits [3].

In conclusion, while Friend Map offers a new way to connect with friends on Instagram, it also raises important privacy concerns. Users should be aware of the potential risks and make informed decisions about whether to use the feature and how to manage their location data.

References:
[1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/08/07/instagram-map-location-sharing-privacy/
[2] https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/07/how-to-use-instagram-map-and-set-your-location-sharing-preferences/
[3] https://about.fb.com/news/2025/08/new-instagram-features-help-you-connect/