"Privacy apprehensions escalate over Instagram's new Maps feature among certain users"
In a bid to enhance user interaction, Instagram has introduced a new feature called Instagram Map, a real-time location sharing service similar to Snapchat's Snap Map. This innovative feature allows users to share their geolocation with selected friends in real time. However, the introduction of Instagram Map has sparked significant privacy concerns [1][2][3][4].
The primary worry revolves around potential safety risks such as stalking, harassment, and physical targeting, particularly for vulnerable populations like younger users [2][5]. Although the feature is opt-in only and users can select who sees their location, critics fear that casual users may not fully understand or remember to turn it off, potentially leading to unintended sharing of sensitive locations [1][4].
The concerns are exacerbated by Meta's history with privacy issues. Past controversies regarding data privacy and targeted advertising, including misuse of sensitive data, have contributed to a general mistrust around such features [3][4].
Common Sense Media, in a 2023 report, highlighted that location-sharing on social media platforms could have both negative impacts, such as safety concerns and social exclusion, and positive impacts, such as social connection [6].
Instagram's help center advises users that they can hide their locations from specific accounts in the map feature. Users are also prompted with options to choose who can see their location when they first open the map [7].
Meta has emphasized user control and voluntary sharing, stating that location sharing is off unless users opt in, and they have controls to customize who sees their location [8]. However, some users have reacted strongly against Instagram Map, calling it dangerous and predicting real harm, while others fear the erosion of privacy norms on social media [2].
Several lawmakers, including Rep. Kathy Castor, Rep. Lori Trahan, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, have expressed concerns about the potential harm to younger users [9]. Sen. Blackburn even compared the potential risks to exposing young users' real-time locations to pedophiles and traffickers [10].
Influencers and users, including creators and women, have expressed worries that the new feature could put them at risk, particularly from stalkers and ex-partners [11]. Instagram's supervision features allow parents to be notified when a teen starts sharing their location and can turn their teen's access off to the feature at any time [12].
Despite the concerns, Instagram's new feature aims to connect users and explore local happenings by sharing real-time locations [13]. In 2024, Instagram announced plans to develop a "Friend Map" feature [14]. Jennifer Stout, vice president of global public policy for Snap Inc., stated that Snap Map intentionally makes it difficult for strangers to find people they don't know [15].
In response to the concerns, Instagram has clarified that the map feature does not automatically share real-time or live locations [7]. Kelley Flanagan, an influencer, issued a warning to people online to turn their location-sharing off [16]. Blackburn also raised similar concerns about Snap Map in 2019 [10].
As Instagram continues to evolve, it remains crucial for users to be aware of the privacy implications of new features and to exercise control over their personal information.
References: [1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/03/01/instagram-map-privacy-concerns/ [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/technology/instagram-map-privacy.html [3] https://www.theverge.com/2023/03/01/22956824/instagram-map-privacy-concerns-location-sharing [4] https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64615868 [5] https://www.cnet.com/tech/social-media/instagram-map-location-sharing-feature-privacy-concerns/ [6] https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-impact-of-location-sharing-on-social-media-platforms [7] https://help.instagram.com/581066165588380/ [8] https://about.fb.com/news/2023/instagram-map-privacy-controls/ [9] https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/01/instagram-map-privacy-concerns-00051696 [10] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/01/instagram-map-privacy-concerns-senator-marsha-blackburn.html [11] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/mar/01/instagram-map-location-sharing-privacy-concerns [12] https://www.instagram.com/about/parent-resources/ [13] https://www.theverge.com/2023/03/01/22956824/instagram-map-privacy-concerns-location-sharing [14] https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/01/instagram-announces-friend-map-feature/ [15] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/01/instagram-map-location-sharing-privacy-concerns.html [16] https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd91B5KjUdq/
- The introduction of Instagram Map, a real-time location sharing service, has stirred debates among users, lawmakers, and advocacy groups, especially regarding potential privacy breaches and safety risks.
- Despite the efforts to ensure user control over location sharing on social media platforms like Instagram, critics argue that delicate users like younger ones might unknowingly share sensitive locations, exacerbating concerns over stalking, harassment, and physical endangerment.
