A new Instagram feature rolled out in the United States this week stirred strong feelings: Users can now share and view locations of others on a map.
Meta, which owns Instagram, said in a blog post on Wednesday that the feature was an opt-in service to help people “stay up to date with friends.” Some users, however, reacted with confusion and panic, voicing concerns about privacy and safety.
Here’s what to know about the feature.
What is Instagram Map?
The new map, which can be found on top of Instagram’s message inbox, allows users to share their live location while they are using the app.
It also allows people to see the locations of users who share that information in recent posts on their feeds.
Who can see you on it?
By default, nobody. Meta said in its blog post that the location sharing option was inactive by default, and users would have to opt in. The company said people could limit who could see that information, or turn it off entirely.
Meta called it a “new, lightweight way to connect with each other.” Similar features exist in other apps: Snapchat has a personalized map feature, and Apple devices allow users to share their locations with one another. Meta’s other platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp also offer live location sharing.
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The post What to Know About Instagram Map, a New Feature Drawing Backlash appeared first on New York Times.
