Instagram's New 'Map' Feature Sparks Privacy Concerns

Instagram's new "Map" feature has raised privacy concerns as users fear their exact location is being shared without consent. The feature is off by default, but only becomes active if users enable it. Despite reassurances from Instagram, many users are disabling the feature, with some claiming their location was visible even after it was turned off.

Title: Instagram's New "Map" Feature Sparks Privacy Concerns Among Users

Instagram's latest feature, the "Map," has sparked significant backlash from users over privacy concerns. The feature, which allows users to share their last active location, was launched on Wednesday and has since been met with criticism and confusion. Despite assurances from Meta, the company behind Instagram, that the feature is off by default and requires user consent, many users have reported their locations being shared without their explicit permission.

The "Map" feature is designed to help users stay connected with friends and explore local happenings by sharing their geolocation data. However, the rollout has raised eyebrows due to the potential for misuse and the lack of clear communication about how the feature works. Some users have expressed concern that their locations could be exposed to strangers or that the feature could be exploited by bad actors.

Meta has responded to the criticism, stating that the feature's location sharing is off unless users opt in. Adam Mosseri, Instagram's chief, has clarified that the feature requires double consent by design, and only people who follow the user or are on a custom list can see their location. However, some users have reported that their locations were visible even after they turned off the feature, leading to further confusion and mistrust.

The privacy concerns surrounding the "Map" feature have been amplified by Meta's history of data privacy issues. In a recent case, a California jury ruled that Meta violated the state’s Invasion of Privacy Act with the period-tracking app Flo. This has led to calls for Meta to abandon the "Map" feature altogether.

The introduction of location-sharing features on social media platforms has been a contentious issue, particularly among younger users. A study by the Academic Pediatrics journal found that 6.3% of early adolescents reported having a secret social media account hidden from their parents. Common Sense Media, a group that studies the impact of media and technology on kids and families, published a report in 2023 that highlighted concerns about safety and social exclusion among young female users.

Lawmakers have also expressed concerns about the "Map" feature, with representatives from various states calling for Meta to abandon the feature due to the potential risks to younger users. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Mass., sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg calling on the company to immediately abandon the feature, citing the risk of exposing children's real-time locations to potential predators.

Despite the backlash, Meta has stood by the "Map" feature, emphasizing that it offers users control over their location data. The company has promised to implement design improvements to address user concerns and has stated that it is committed to protecting user privacy.

The "Map" feature is a testament to the ongoing debate around privacy and data sharing on social media platforms. As users become increasingly concerned about their personal information, companies must walk a fine line between innovation and protecting user data.

References:
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/07/instagrams-map-feature-spurs-user-backlash-over-privacy-concerns.html
[2] https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/instagram-maps-feature-raises-privacy-concerns-some-users-rcna223706