Instagram Faces Backlash Over Location-Sharing Map Feature

Instagram’s latest update has sparked widespread criticism and concern among users, with many expressing alarm over a newly introduced map feature that inadvertently reveals their location to followers. The functionality, which surfaced following the recent software release, allows users’ general locations to be visible on an interactive map accessible to anyone who follows them on the platform—a development that appears counterintuitive to growing trends of online privacy consciousness.

The rollout has been met with immediate and largely negative reactions across social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter). Users have rapidly shared detailed instructions outlining how to disable the feature, highlighting their discomfort with its potential for privacy breaches. One user provided a step-by-step guide via X: “This is a weird feature added to Instagram…it now shows your location to any and everyone who follows you. To turn it off: Settings and Activity>Story, Live and Location>Location Sharing Instagram Map>No one.”

The sentiment has been consistent throughout online forums and social networks. Several users have voiced their disapproval directly, characterizing the addition as a misguided and unnecessary intrusion. “Instagram is stupid as hell for that new map feature,” read one comment, while another described it as “the worst feature” the platform could have released. The concern extends beyond mere annoyance, with some suggesting the capability could lead to potential safety risks.

It remains unclear whether this substantial user backlash will prompt Meta, Instagram’s parent company, to reconsider or modify the location-sharing functionality. The incident was initially reported by Sourav Chakraborty on Mandatory and subsequently shared by GameRevolution.