Purbalee Dutta 
Instagram users have raised alarms over a newly introduced location-sharing feature, fearing it could compromise their safety by revealing their whereabouts without consent. The Meta-owned platform recently launched a map-based location-sharing tool, similar to Snapchat’s feature introduced in 2017. Some users expressed shock upon discovering their location was visible to followers. One user, Lindsey Bell, responded to a TikTok warning from “Bachelor” alum Kelley Flanagan, stating her home address was being shown and she felt “absolutely sick” until she disabled it.
Flanagan called the feature “dangerous” and posted a video explaining how users can ensure it’s turned off. In response, Instagram head Adam Mosseri clarified on Threads that location sharing is disabled by default and only activates if a user opts in and selects specific people to share with. Instagram stated the feature is designed to help friends connect and discover interesting places, and users retain full control over who can see their location.
This controversy comes just days after a federal jury ruled that Meta misused sensitive health data from the Flo app, with evidence suggesting Meta employees mocked the information. Damages are yet to be determined.
About The Author
