Instagram Faces Backlash Over New Location-Sharing Feature, Mosseri Says Users “Confused” Amid Privacy Concerns

Highlights

• Instagram’s new Map tool shows users’ last active location, prompting backlash over fears of stalking and unwanted tracking.
• Instagram head Adam Mosseri clarified that location sharing is off by default and requires double consent.
• Influencers and privacy experts advise users to disable the feature manually.

Caption – Instagram’s new location-sharing feature received backlash online. (Image credit – Meta)

Meta recently launched a new Instagram Map feature aimed at helping users “stay up-to-date with friends” by sharing their “last active location.” The tool, which functions similarly to Snapchat’s Snap Map, shows users where their friends are posting from.

In a blog post announcing the feature, Meta emphasised that “location sharing is off unless you opt in.”

However, backlash quickly followed as many users claimed they were not notified before their location became visible. Among the critics was Bachelor alum and lifestyle influencer Kelley Flanagan, who warned followers to “turn off” the feature, suggesting it could lead to unwanted tracking or even stalking.

Social media analyst Lia Haberman, author of the ICYMI newsletter, told NBC News she wasn’t surprised by the uproar. “Meta doesn’t have the shiniest history when it comes to protecting user privacy,” she said, referencing a recent case in which a California jury ruled that Meta had violated the state’s Invasion of Privacy Act in relation to the Flo period-tracking app. Meta has publicly disagreed with the verdict.

Instagram is rolling out a new “reposts” feature today — similar to a retweet. There will also be a reposts tab on profiles (an experience similar to what’s on Threads)

And that’s not the only update… pic.twitter.com/eHijf2jKxt

— Lia Haberman (@liahaberman) August 6, 2025

“User data is the company’s golden goose,” Haberman added. “They’ve built an empire selling it to advertisers, usually within legal boundaries, but not always.”

On Threads, multiple users voiced similar concerns. “I can’t believe Instagram launched a map feature that exposes everyone’s location without any warning,” one user wrote.

Another added, “Instagram randomly updating their app to include a maps feature without actually alerting people is so incredibly dangerous to anyone who has a restraining order and is actively making sure their abuser can’t stalk their location online… Why.”

Instagram Responds to Criticism

In response to the backlash, Instagram head Adam Mosseri addressed the concerns on Threads, attributing the alarm to user confusion. “We’re double checking everything, but so far it looks mostly like people are confused and assume that, because they can see themselves on the map when they open, other people can see them too,” he wrote.

Caption – Instagram location sharing feature setting. (Image credit – Adam Mosseri on Threads)

Mosseri also clarified that the feature includes multiple consent layers, “Quick Friend Map clarification, your location will only be shared *if* you decide to share it, and if you do, it can only shared with a limited group of people you choose. To start, location sharing is *completely off.*”

A Meta spokesperson echoed this to CNBC, stating that “Instagram Map is off by default, and your live location is never shared unless you choose to turn it on. If you do, only people you follow back — or a private, custom list you select — can see your location.”

How to Turn Off Location Sharing on Instagram?

To disable Instagram’s new location-sharing feature –

• Open Settings in the Instagram app.
• Tap on “Story, live and location”.
• When the map view opens, tap the settings icon in the top-right corner.
• Under “Who can see your location”, select “No one”.
• Tap “Done” to save your preferences.

For teens using Instagram under parental supervision tools, guardians will be alerted if their child enables location sharing. Parents can also approve or block the setting and view who the teen shares their location with.

FAQs

Q1. Is Instagram’s new location-sharing feature turned on by default?

Answer. No. According to Meta and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, the feature is off by default. Users must actively opt in and choose who can see their location. It includes multiple consent layers to ensure privacy.

Q2. Why are users upset about the Instagram Map feature?

Answer. Many users felt blindsided, claiming they weren’t properly notified before their location became visible. Critics, including influencers and privacy analysts, warned it could enable stalking or tracking, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Q3. How can I turn off Instagram’s location-sharing feature?

Answer. To disable it – Open Settings in the Instagram app > Tap “Story, live and location” > In the map view, tap the settings icon (top-right corner) > Under “Who can see your location”, select “No one” > Tap “Done” to save your preferences.

Related Links –

https://www.mymobileindia.com/instagram-now-lets-you-share-spotify-songs-with-sound-in-stories/

https://www.mymobileindia.com/instagram-restricts-live-broadcast-access-to-accounts-with-over-1000-followers/