Instagram Catches Users off Guard With Location-Tracking Feature

Instagram’s latest update includes a location-sharing feature that has users questioning the app and its purpose.

Now tucked away in your settings tab is a feature that allows people to see exactly where you are on a map, à la Snapchat’s Snap Map.

If enabled, the feature will share your location with followers you follow back, your close friends list, or people of your choosing.

The update caught a lot of people by surprise, and reaction was swift.

@psapapi Instagram maps update shares your EXACT location with followers. This IG feature is DANGEROUS— here’s how to turn it off #instagram #privacy #location #fyp ♬ original sound - PSA Papi

“Many of you may not be aware that Instagram is sharing your exact location,” TikTok user @whoisadiv warned in a video that quickly made the rounds. “I got tagged in a couple of posts from people saying they can see where I’m at. Then I got a DM from somebody I hadn’t spoken to in a while saying, ‘Wow, I stayed in that exact neighborhood you’re staying at in Rome.’”

Because that’s not creepy at all.

@whoisadiv continued: “I just think this is very dangerous for anyone who may have potential stalkers, especially women. I don’t know this update would be needed or be something that would even be approved.”

@whoisadiv please ensure that you're turning your location services off for Instagram in your settings. I'm not sure who thought this update was a good one but no one needs to see my location via a social media app. y'all stay safe #instagram #update ♬ original sound - ADIV

Naturally, there are broader misgivings about the feature and the app as a whole.

“Instagram trying to be everything but Instagram! Very dangerous,” one user wrote.

Another, @lachulaa_rd, said, “I deactivated mine because that’s waaaaay too dangerous and then you’ll have to constantly check to make sure it’s still off because… yea.”

Tutorials are now flooding TikTok and Threads, showing users how to disable the feature both in app and through your phone settings entirely. Here’s how to do that:

In your inbox, tap the “Map” icon above your messages
Once you’re looking at the map, tap the settings icon in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen
Under “Who can see your location,” choose “No one”

It’s worth noting that Stories you location-tag will show up on Instagram map for 24 hours, the same way they appeared under locations—but not a larger map accessible via your inbox—before.

In less dystopian but still kind of unnecessary news, Instagram now also lets users repost Reels and grid posts in a dedicated tab.

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