Instagram Maps under fire: controversy over privacy and location risks

Instagram's new feature has been accused of copying Snap Maps and putting users' privacy at risk, amid stalking fears and controversy over location data management.

The recent launch of Instagram Map has raised numerous criticisms and concerns within days of its introduction. The new feature, which closely resembles Snapchat's Snap Maps, allows you to view posts and Reels organized by your geographic location and share your current location with selected friends.

User reactions ranged from simple annoyance at the lack of a “friends only” feed to concerns about potential privacy and doxing risks, with particular attention to the safety of vulnerable people, such as victims of domestic violence , who could be exposed to stalking.

Meta emphasized that location sharing is optional and can only be activated with the user's consent . Those who haven't enabled location access in their device settings won't be able to use the feature, which will be disabled by default.

To disable location tracking on Instagram Map , the platform suggests accessing the Messages section, selecting Map at the top, opening Settings and choosing “None” from the available options, then saving the change.

Some users have reported seeing content on the map from people they know haven't activated the feature. Instagram's CEO, Adam Mosseri, clarified that these are posts or Reels with location tags, visible on the map as static content and not as a real-time location. He also assured that live locations will never be shared without explicit permission and announced graphical improvements starting next week to clarify how the feature works.