Instagram responds after users panic over location-sharing update

A new update on Instagram has users in a panic over privacy concerns as it lets users stay up

to date with people who follow them back by sharing their last active location

The feature is similar to Snap Map launched by Snapchat years ago, letting users share their

location with friends and see where others are too. On Instagram, if the feature is on

it automatically updates your location anytime you open the app. The privacy concerns quickly

spread and users across multiple platforms started sharing tutorials on how to turn the feature off

In a story posted Thursday, Instagram clarified the feature is off by default. No one can see

your location unless you choose to share it. If enabled, only people you follow back or add to a

custom list can see it and you can turn it off at any time. But that didn't stop users from sharing

their concerns. One thread's user claimed multiple people saw their location pinned and it took

several attempts to turn the feature off. The head of Instagram responded saying we're double checking

everything but so far it looks mostly like people are confused and assume that because they can see

themselves on the map when they open other people can see them too. We're still checking everything

though to make sure nobody shares location without explicitly deciding to do so which by the way requires a double consent by design Still some users remain skeptical advising others to dig deeper and disable precise location in their iPhone settings as an extra step

Along with the location feature, it also shows you where your friends and other creators are posting from if they geotag the location

which Instagram says is to help you discover new places. The rise in friends and family sharing their locations with each other has likely contributed to these new app features

A 2024 survey from Life360 found that 89 percent of people say location sharing has improved their lives and that number jumps to 94 percent for Gen Z

In fact, the majority of Gen Zers say they believe it helps keep them safe and supports their physical well-being

And for couples, location sharing was even called, quote, the final frontier in digital expressions of coupledom by the New York Times, with some saying it made their relationship feel more official

Regardless of the reasoning behind apps like Snapchat and Instagram having map features, critics point out it opens the door to targeted ads, location tracking, and could pose risks in cases of domestic abuse or stalking

You can check your settings on the Instagram app by searching location under settings and privacy

With Stray Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or visit san.com for more