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| Getty images; Tyler Le |
Instagram’s latest update includes a new map feature designed to help users share their location with friends. But within days of rolling out, it sparked a wave of online panic. Some Instagram users believe the feature automatically shares their real-time location with everyone a rumor that’s simply not true.
What Instagram Maps Actually Does
The new Instagram Maps tool, released this week, does not share your location by default. Location sharing is opt-in only, and even then, it’s limited to friends or a specific subset of friends you choose.
Despite this, confusion has spread across Threads, Instagram comments, and other platforms, prompting CEO Adam Mosseri to personally respond to concerned users over the last 48 hours. His repeated message: No, Instagram isn’t secretly broadcasting your whereabouts to strangers.
Why People Are Suspicious
It’s not hard to understand why the misunderstanding took off:
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Meta’s Reputation Problem Public trust in Meta is shaky. A recent Pew Research survey shows that two-thirds of Americans hold an unfavorable view of CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
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Tech Myths That Won’t Die Many people still believe their phone “listens” to them to serve ads a claim repeatedly debunked by independent experts.
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Social Media Rumor Cycles False but believable claims spread quickly online, especially when they tap into fears of privacy invasion.
Even though Instagram has clearly stated that location sharing is optional, years of privacy scandals have conditioned some users to assume the worst.
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| Instagram screenshot |
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| Instagram screenshot |
Why the Rollout Was Low-Key
The map feature wasn’t introduced with a flashy announcement. Instead, it was quietly listed among other “features to help you connect with friends.” It’s also somewhat hidden in the app you have to tap the messages icon in the top right to find it.
In many cases, the panic came from users who noticed that posts with location tags also appeared on the map something the feature is designed to do. But because this looks like live tracking, it triggered fears of involuntary doxxing.
Copying Snapchat’s Playbook
Instagram’s move mirrors Snapchat’s Snap Map, a feature that’s been around for years. The question is: why now? Instagram hasn’t given a clear reason for the timing, but it’s not the first time Meta has borrowed from its competitors.
Still, early adoption appears limited. As the writer of this piece found, most Instagram friends aren’t using it yet making the uproar seem disproportionate to its actual reach.
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| Instagram screenshot |
The Bottom Line
Instagram Maps isn’t secretly sharing your location. It’s an optional tool, meant to help friends find each other but Meta’s history, user skepticism, and the viral nature of privacy fears have made it a public relations headache in its very first week.
