Instagram's recently introduced map feature has set off alarm bells amidst discussions about privacy, and here's why.
In the digital age, social media platforms continue to evolve, introducing new features that aim to connect users in innovative ways. However, these advancements often raise concerns about privacy and safety, particularly for younger users. This is the case with Instagram's latest offering, the Instagram Map, and Snapchat's Snap Map.
Instagram recently announced the introduction of a location-sharing feature, allowing users to share their location with select followers. The feature, which is opt-in and customizable, resembles Snapchat's Snap Map, a feature that has been available since 2017.
However, the new Instagram Map has sparked concern from advocacy groups and members of Congress due to potential risks to young users. Critics argue that even though Instagram states the feature is opt-in and users must actively choose to share their location, some users have reported that their locations were shared automatically. This raises fears of stalking, targeting by rivals or ex-partners, and exposing minors to danger.
Notably, a mother's son was murdered after his location was tracked on Instagram, underscoring the potential lethal consequences of such features. Experts and officials urge parents to closely monitor their children's Instagram accounts due to these risks. Users can disable location sharing in settings to mitigate these concerns.
Privacy experts have also expressed concern over Instagram Map, as it exposes precise user locations, which may conflict with user expectations of privacy, especially given Meta’s history with data handling. The feature appears to be a direct competitor to Snapchat’s Snap Map, which has been available since 2017.
In response, Snapchat's vice president of global public policy stated that the platform makes it difficult for strangers to find people they don't know, and location sharing is opt-in only and available just between friends. However, cybersecurity consultant Charles Tendell stated it is easy to accidentally share too much information on the Snap Map.
Meanwhile, Childnet International, a U.K.-based group advocating for children's online safety, has expressed concern over the Snap Map showing a user's precise location on a map. Some users and members of Congress have also expressed concern about user safety and privacy.
Rep. Lori Trahan and Rep. Kathy Castor wrote a letter to Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri urging him to abandon the location-sharing feature. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has criticized the planned Instagram map, stating that social media platforms need to protect the safety of young users. In a Senate hearing, Blackburn alleged "sexual predators" could use the Snap Map to target children.
In response, a Meta spokesperson stated that the location is never shared unless a user chooses to turn it on. Instagram has implemented guardrails for privacy protection, including parental controls.
Shelby Knox, an online safety campaign director at advocacy group Parents Together, has urged Congress to pass legislation regulating online safety on social media. As the debate continues, it is crucial for users to be aware of the potential risks associated with location-sharing features and to make informed decisions about their privacy settings.
In summary, both Instagram Map and Snapchat Map allow location sharing with selected friends, raising privacy and safety concerns. The critical difference lies mostly in Instagram's recent introduction of the feature and specific reports of automatic sharing, while Snapchat's map is more established. However, the underlying concerns about safety and privacy remain comparable.
Technology advances in social media platforms, such as Instagram and Snapchat, often introduce new features for entertainment purposes, like location-sharing features on Instagram Map and Snap Map. However, these entertainment offerings can lead to concerns about privacy and safety, especially for younger users, who may be at risk of stalking, targeted by rivals or ex-partners, or exposed to danger.
