"Instagram's Novel Location-Sharing Function Prompts Privacy Debate"
In the world of social media, Instagram has introduced a new location-sharing feature called Instagram Map. This innovative tool allows users to share their approximate recent locations with selected friends on a map and discover location-based content from others [1][3][5]. However, the feature has sparked controversy due to concerns about user privacy.
Instagram Map reveals sensitive data about users’ whereabouts, which could potentially be exploited by advertisers, law enforcement, or harmful parties [2]. To mitigate these risks, users should carefully review and limit their list of mutual followers to trusted individuals. They also have the option to disable the feature at any time and opt not to share location in certain places [2][5].
Privacy experts recommend keeping the feature off by default unless there is a clear need to avoid broadcasting movements unnecessarily [2][5]. In fact, by default, location sharing is completely off on Instagram [5].
Recent reports suggest that some Meta employees mocked the nature of the health data, while the law firm representing the plaintiffs contends that Meta was aware it was getting confidential health data from a third-party app [4]. This issue is separate from the concerns surrounding Instagram Map, but it underscores the importance of privacy in the digital age.
In a related development, a federal jury recently sided with women who accused Meta of exploiting health data gathered by the Flo app [4]. The jury concluded that Meta used women's sensitive health data to better target money-making ads.
Instagram's chief, Adam Mosseri, confirmed that location sharing is off by default on Instagram. Users need to opt in for location sharing to be active, and they have the option to choose who they share their locations with [6]. Location sharing on Instagram can only be shared with a limited group of people chosen by the user [6].
Reality television personality Kelley Flanagan has called the Instagram location sharing feature "dangerous" and provided instructions on how to turn it off [7]. Flanagan's warning came after Instagram user Lindsey Bell discovered that her home address was visible to her followers due to the location sharing feature [7].
In summary, Instagram Map offers enhanced social connectivity but requires thoughtful management to protect user privacy. Opting out or restricting location sharing to a tight circle of trusted friends is advised to minimize privacy risks [1][2][5]. As always, it's essential to be aware of the data we share and with whom we share it in the digital age.
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/29/21300522/instagram-map-location-sharing-feature-launch-explained [2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimmyward/2021/02/26/instagrams-new-location-sharing-feature-raises-privacy-concerns/?sh=639be5c84e4e [3] https://www.wired.com/story/instagram-map-location-sharing-feature-explained/ [4] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-09/meta-sued-over-alleged-misuse-of-health-data-from-flo-period-tracker [5] https://www.techradar.com/news/instagram-map-location-sharing-feature-explained [6] https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/18/22299396/instagram-location-sharing-feature-explained-privacy [7] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-9287301/Bachelorette-star-Kelley-Flanagan-slams-Instagram-location-sharing-feature-dangerous.html
Technology advances in social media, such as Instagram's Map feature, provide enhanced entertainment and communication. However, it's crucial for users to safeguard their privacy by carefully managing location sharing, opting out, or restricting it to a trusted circle of friends.
