Instagram’s new location sharing feature sparks privacy concerns

Instagram’s latest update has introduced a real-time location-sharing feature, designed to help users find each other at events, concerts, and meet-ups. However, many users on X (formerly Twitter) are raising red flags, warning that the feature could pose serious privacy and safety risks.

Users sound the alarm on privacy risks

Shortly after the update rolled out, users took to social media to express their concerns. One viral post cautioned:

"Reminder to turn off your location on Instagram because of the new update since it's revealing the real location of us. For our safety purposes."

Another user echoed similar fears, stating:

"This is a good Instagram map location feature but NOT SAFE! Please carefully choose your mutual friends that can see your location. There are a lot of creepy people that could cause you harm."

With rising concerns about stalking, harassment, and unauthorized tracking, many are urging others to review their privacy settings before enabling the feature.

How Instagram’s location sharing works

The feature allows users to temporarily share their live location with others through direct messages (DMs) for up to one hour. It works in both one-on-one and group chats, but crucially, it is off by default.

Instagram has emphasized that location sharing is private and customizable. Users can choose:

- To share their location only with mutual followers, close friends, or specific accounts.

- To hide their location from certain individuals.

- To turn off location sharing entirely by disabling location services in Instagram’s Device Permissions settings.

While Instagram’s approach mirrors Snapchat’s SnapMap, it does not include a public overhead map showing everyone’s shared location at once.

Concern over digital privacy

Despite Instagram’s assurances that the feature is opt-in, privacy experts warn that even controlled sharing can pose risks, especially if users aren’t fully aware of how their location data is being used.

Additionally, there’s concern over Instagram’s data collection policies. While location-sharing is optional, Instagram still collects geolocation data for advertising and personalization — a practice that has long raised concerns about user surveillance.

How to stay safe

For those who prefer not to use the feature, follow these steps to disable location access entirely:

1. Go to Settings in the Instagram app.

2. Navigate to Device Permissions.

3. Follow the instructions to disable location services.

With online privacy becoming an increasing concern, users are encouraged to stay informed and take control of their digital footprint before enabling location-sharing features.