Instagram’s new update that brings a location-sharing “Friend Map” feature has triggered global concerns about privacy, with users warning it may reveal sensitive locations without permission. Meta, which owns the service, maintains that the feature is off by default and that one has to opt in. Several viral posts on TikTok and Instagram have revealed users finding their home addresses and live locations exposed to followers. Reality TV personality Kelley Flanagan deemed the update “dangerous” in a TikTok post, telling followers to turn it off. Lindsey Bell posted, “Mine was turned on and my home address was showing for all of my followers to see. Turned it off immediately once I knew, but had me feeling absolutely sick about it.”
Instagram boss Adam Mosseri replied to the criticism on Meta’s Threads platform, saying, “Your location will only be shared if you choose to share it, and if you do, it can only be shared with a limited number of people that you select. To begin, location sharing is totally off.” The feature is designed to connect friends by sharing posts from “cool locations.” Parents who have app monitoring will receive a notification if a teen enables location sharing.
How The Feature Can Breach Privacy
Real-time location sharing updates every time the app is opened or runs in the background, creating a detailed movement history. Even if shared with a small circle, this data can be screenshot, forwarded, or combined with other information to pinpoint routines, workplaces, or home addresses. This makes it easier for stalkers, harassers, or abusive partners to track individuals without their knowledge.
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The eSafety Commission cautions that location-sharing apps increase rates of tech-enabled coercive control, with digital methods used to track or threaten partners or former partners. Almost one in five young adults surveyed in 2024 think it is okay to track someone’s location in a relationship. “Preventing tech-enabled coercive control, and the attitudes that enable it, can save lives,” said eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. The allegations come on the heels of a federal jury in San Francisco determining Meta abused sensitive women’s health information from the Flo menstruation and fertility tracking app for ad targeting. Evidence indicated Meta was aware it was getting private health information, with some employees scoffing about the nature of the information.
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How To Turn Off Instagram Location Sharing
• Instagram App: Profile → Settings → Story, Live & Location → Location Sharing → Choose “No one”
• Phone: Turn off Instagram’s location permission in device settings
• Don’t use location tags on posts, stories, and reels
• Check privacy settings frequently, as changes might set them back to default