Instagram's recently introduced "map" function stirring up debate among users
In a move that both expands social connectivity and raises privacy concerns, Instagram has launched a new location-sharing feature. This controversial addition to the popular social media platform has been a topic of discussion since Friday, when numerous videos and posts about the new feature gained tens or hundreds of thousands of views on social media.
The feature, which is off by default, allows users to share their real-time location with a select group of friends, such as those they follow back, close friends, or a custom list of contacts. Users have the option to exclude specific locations or people from seeing their location, offering granular privacy control.
However, the location updates only occur when the Instagram app is open or reopened, not continuously in the background. This limits constant real-time tracking compared to some other apps. Yet, the potential for inadvertent data exposure and safety risks remains a concern among privacy experts, especially if shared with a broad or inappropriate audience.
Instagram's location-sharing feature also allows users to explore location-based content and see where friends or favourite creators have posted, which may indirectly reveal location information. The platform also enables short message posts called "Notes" on the map, adding another layer of social interaction linked with location sharing.
Addressing the criticism, Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, stated that the location will only be shared if the user decides to share it. If a user chooses to share their location, it can be shared only with a chosen limited group of people.
Despite the opt-in nature and selective sharing options, concerns remain about user awareness, potential misuse, and whether users fully understand the implications of sharing their live location. It is recommended that users carefully manage location-sharing permissions and review settings regularly to maintain their desired level of privacy and security.
An American user expressed concern about the feature, stating it could be misused by ill-intentioned people. The balancing act between enhancing social connectivity and safeguarding user privacy continues to be a focus for Instagram and its users.
[1] Instagram Introduces New Location-Sharing Feature [2] Instagram's New Location Sharing Feature: What You Need to Know [3] Instagram's Location Sharing Feature: Privacy Concerns and How to Manage It [4] Instagram's Location Sharing Feature: A Double-Edged Sword for Privacy
- This new location-sharing feature on Instagram, both heightening social connectivity and sparking privacy debates, encapsulates the latest advancement in technology, bridging social-media and entertainment domains.
- The incorporation of the location-sharing feature on Instagram, providing real-time information and interactive possibilities, blurs the line between technology and entertainment, creating a platform that integrates social-media activity with shared experiences.
