Instagram surprises with a new location release - users are concerned!
Instagram surprises with a new location release - users are concerned!
USA - On August 12, 2025, Instagram introduced a new feature that enables the location release with certain contacts. This feature, known as "Location Sharing", is currently only available in the USA. Users can share their location via a symbol in the news bar and set the visibility to mutually followed persons or defined friends lists. However, a large part of the community is critical of this new function, as there are concerns about privacy and possible risks.
The users have the option of determining who can see their location in the settings or even excluding certain people. Despite the calming statements of Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, who insists that the function is deactivated by default, many users feel unsettled. An influencer even claimed that the location release had been automatically activated, which contradicted Mosseri and made it clear that an opt-in was necessary. Nevertheless, experts do not exclude technical or operating errors that could possibly lead to unwanted shares.
controversial functions and visibility
In addition to the location release, Instagram has also introduced the function of the “Map of Friends”, which shows the location in real time. This possibility, which is already active in other parts of Latin America, is currently not being introduced in Europe, mainly due to strict data protection requirements. Meta says that this feature should make it easier to meet friends. However, the users are concerned about the automatic update of the location, which takes place with every use of the app and remains visible for 24 hours as long as the application is used.The visibility of the location data can be restricted in different ways, including the use of a "stealth mode" that hides the location for a certain period of time, or by removing the location authorizations in the telephone settings. In addition, users have the option of exploring the card and seeing content such as contributions, stories and notes with marked locations. However, the users have to update the app and agree with the conditions in order to be able to use the function.
fears about privacy
data protection experts warn of the risks of these new functions, for example possible harassment or data theft. Opinions among users are shared: While some appreciate the function for planning meetings, other serious concerns about the associated security risks. Parents receive notifications if minors share their location, which should represent additional protection, but can nevertheless increase the feeling of uncertainty.
Overall, it remains to be seen how Instagram reacts to the criticism from the community and whether the location release function will also be introduced in other regions in the future. In order to make informed decisions and minimize possible risks, users are advised to regularly check their data protection settings and to think carefully about who is in their own network before they are released. The debate on dealing with location data on social media will certainly remain important.
For more information about the new function of Instagram and the associated discussions, see Vol.at href = "https://de.eloutPut.com/nachrichten/social-netzwerke/instagram-und-die----neue-function-zur-zur-zur-zur-zur-zur-zur-zur-zur-zur--und-kontrollen/"> eloutPut.com and Androidguias.com .
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