Instagram's New Friend Map Draws Backlash Over Unintended Location Sharing
- Meta announced on August 6, 2025, that Instagram introduced Instagram Map, a feature allowing users to share their location with friends via a map in direct messaging.
- This update follows existing location sharing on Instagram and Snapchat's Snap Map, and Meta emphasized sharing is off by default and opt-in only.
- Users can customize who sees their location, turn sharing on or off anytime, and parents receive notifications if teens enable location sharing, allowing supervision.
- Meta clarified that location sharing is disabled by default and must be actively enabled by users, tagged content appears for a limited 24-hour period, and the new feature provides an easy way for friends to stay connected.
- The feature sparked privacy concerns among users about location tracking and misuse, suggesting ongoing debates about safety despite Meta's parental controls and opt-in design.
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What the Tech: Instagram Maps
Instagram’s newest update adds a location-sharing map that, at first glance, seems like a fun way to connect with friends and discover new places. Imagine walking toward your favorite coffee shop and seeing a post from a friend who’s already inside. But many users say the feature goes too far and could even put people in danger. The Instagram Map allows users to see where photos and videos are being posted. You can zoom in on neighborhoods, tap …
Instagram’s New Map Feature Wants to Be Your — And Your Friends’ — Big Brother – The American Spectator | USA News and Politics
Instagram’s recently launched Map feature, which rolled out Wednesday, purports to help friends stay “up-to-date” by allowing you to share your “last active location” in real time. Meta insists that this feature is off by default, requires you to opt in, and is limited to mutual followers or a custom list of users. But the uproar from users — especially those concerned about women, minors, and survivors of abuse — reveals the real issue: it’s an…
What to know about Instagram's new map feature
Instagram’s parent company Meta says the feature is off unless you turn it on to opt-in to sharing your location. Meta says parents who have supervision settings for their child’s account can control location sharing.
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