If you frequently use Instagram then you may already know but if not then be careful.
Instagram recently received an update that included a brand new map feature. The new map feature allows people to share their location via DMs. Pitched as a way for friends to see what is happening around them and how they can connect with friends nearby. Meta has stated that the default for this setting is always off. However, many users have found they’re sharing their live location online in the app on their behalf.
A spokesperson from Meta has attempted to put any worry to rest by saying:
“Instagram Map is off by default, and your live location is never shared unless you choose to turn it on. If you do, only people you follow back — or a private, custom list you select — can see your location.”
Despite this, more and more people are discovering that their location is being shared without their approval. This, understandably, has started to leave many people quite anxious as the apps can now actively reveal the homes of many people who do not with to have that location shared. Many people have also shared immense concern with the app sharing and having access to your active location and broadcasting that for others to see without consent of the user.
Location sharing in popular social media apps is far from new though, Snapchat has had Snap Maps for many years now. But many are in uproar over the handling of the new service on Instagram, less so that it exists. For example, Snap Maps does require to opt it to the service, something that Instagram says should be the case but many are experiencing the opposite.
Thankfully, for now anyways, the new feature has not yet launched in Australia, we only just got the damn repost tool that Insta knicked off TikTok. But this isn’t to say when the feature does come here it’ll be completely fixed. If you’re a frequent user of the app make sure you keep tabs on it when the feature drops to ensure strange people can’t follow you at all times.
