Instagrams new Maps feature has sparked major privacy worries heres how to make sure its turned off

Date:
Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:20:19 +0000

Description:
Meta recently announced the new Instagram Maps feature, but it's bee met with an angry response from users online.

FULL STORY

Instagram Maps is one of the latest additions to the apps interface, and
while its only been a week since it was rolled out, it hasnt left the best impression on users myself included.

Along with a slew of other features, including a new Friends tab in the Reels page, Instagram Maps is a new function in the Messages section that allows
you to share your real-time location with friends. Its very similar to Snap Maps, which has been around for nearly eight years.

According to Metas announcement , Instagram Maps aims to provide content to help you and your friends connect with the world around you, be that viewing Stories from a live music gig or finding a trending hang-out spot. The
company has iterated that the new feature is opt-in only and seems to be
turned off by default, but users are still far from happy about it.

A new way to connect, or an invasion of privacy?

While its obvious that this is another attempt to overtake Snapchat as the leading messaging service for younger users, it hasnt worked well in
Instagrams favor. The main concern is the increased risk to users ' safety, especially when it comes to stalking.

Reddit has been a hot spot for people to vent their anger (see below), with
one user posting I wonder how many murders this will assist. Instagram has debuted a new maps feature that shows your location to others. And Internet users are furious.

But how is this any different from Snap Maps, you may ask? Well, the main distinction people are making is that Snapchat is a more personal app, and Instagram is not.

In the case of Snapchat, the friend-adding process is more discreet, as you have to enter specific usernames to add people, for the most part. While
theres the Find friends feature and a search bar, your request still has to
be approved by another user before you can start messaging each other.

When it comes to Instagram, having a private account means you get to choose who follows you, but those with a public account can be followed by anyone.
The search function also makes it easier to find people to follow and shows a users full account if its public, which Snapchat does not do.

How to make sure Instagram Maps is turned off

Whether youre an iOS or Android user, theres a way to ensure your location is hidden from the new Instagram Maps feature. As mentioned, the feature is
opt-in and is turned off by default, but heres how you can make sure its disabled completely.

Open the Instagram app and go to the Messages tab, where youll find the Map
at the top of your inbox. Tap it, then select the settings icon in the top right, which will present you with different location sharing options. Youll want to select the one marked No one, and then tap the Update button to save.

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/instagrams-new-maps-feature-has-s parked-major-privacy-worries-heres-how-to-make-sure-its-turned-off

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