Meta’s launch of the Instagram Map tool on Wednesday — which allows users to share their “last active location” — has triggered significant backlash from social media users over privacy concerns.
The feature, similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map, was pitched as a way to “stay up-to-date with friends.” Meta stated that the location-sharing feature is “off by default unless opted in,” but many users took to Threads to report otherwise.
One user wrote: “I can’t believe Instagram launched a map feature that exposes everyone’s location without warning.” Another warned that the feature could be dangerous for people with restraining orders trying to avoid their abusers.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri responded on Threads, saying that initial findings suggest confusion among users who mistakenly believed others could see them just because they saw themselves on the map. He emphasized that the feature requires double opt-in and is never shared without consent.
However, some users claimed their location was shared without enabling the feature, despite having their phone’s location settings for Instagram turned off. One user reported: “Mine was on and shared with everyone.”
A Meta spokesperson reiterated Mosseri’s statement, confirming that Instagram Map is off by default, and only visible to followers you follow back or a selected list if enabled.
