Meta Faces Backlash Over Instagram’s New Map Feature
Meta recently rolled out a new Instagram map feature that closely resembles Snapchat’s Snap Map, sparking immediate privacy concerns. While the tool requires users to opt in to share their live location, many were alarmed to find their maps already populated with past location data from Stories and Reels.
The controversy stems from the way the map automatically displays locations tied to tagged posts, even if users have set their sharing preferences to no one. For example, if someone tagged a location in a Story, that spot appears on the map for 24 hours, regardless of privacy settings. This has led to confusion, with some users mistakenly believing their real-time location was being shared without consent.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri addressed the backlash on Threads, clarifying that the map does not share live location by default. He emphasized that users must explicitly opt in and confirm location sharing twice before their data becomes visible to others. Despite this, the feature has fueled distrust, given Meta’s history with privacy issues.
To manage the Instagram map settings, users can swipe to their inbox and tap the map icon. The settings menu allows them to control visibility, choosing between friends, close friends, or a custom list. The default setting is no one, and a red arrow indicates when location sharing is off. However, tagged posts will still appear temporarily unless edited or deleted.
For added privacy, Instagram offers a hidden places feature, letting users block sensitive locations like their home. This can be accessed through the map settings, though it requires manually dropping pins rather than entering addresses.
Meta maintains that the map is opt-in and designed with user consent in mind. Still, critics question the necessity of the feature, given the risks of unintentional location exposure. For those concerned about privacy, the safest approach is to avoid location tags entirely and keep sharing settings disabled.
As debates continue, Meta has yet to announce any changes to the feature, leaving users to navigate the fine print of their own visibility.
