SAN FRANCISCO: Instagram is expanding one of its most controversial features in recent years, a location-sharing option first made available to users in the US and now rolling out in other countries.
The feature, which allows users to share their recent location on a map, is being added for users in Europe and now includes updates addressing concerns raised by US users on social media after the feature launched two months ago.
Some users said Instagram was sharing locations without consent. Instagram, in an attempt to address user concerns, says it has now added a permanent indicator showing whether or not a user is sharing their location.
Instagram chief executive Adam Mosseri said the app was not sharing by default, attributing the confusion to a misleading design.
"Your location will only be shared if you decide to share it, and if you do, it can only (be) shared with a limited group of people you choose," Mosseri wrote on Threads. "To start, location sharing is completely off."
However, several users have contradicted Mosseri and say their location was being shared without their consent. "That's not true! I never agreed to it and it was ON when I checked my settings," writes one user in response to Mosseri's post.
This feature mirrors similar offerings from competitors like Snapchat, which has long allowed users to share their location on a map. Instagram, owned by Meta, continues to refine its tools to enhance user control and privacy. – dpa
