Meta’s rollout of a new Instagram Map feature has drawn mixed reactions, with some users and lawmakers warning of potential safety risks – particularly for minors and vulnerable groups.
The feature, introduced last week in the United States, allows users to share their location in real time with selected followers via a map accessible from Instagram’s direct messages. According to Meta, location sharing is off by default, and users can choose who sees their location — from close friends to a custom list. The map also shows posts and stories tagged with locations, but Meta says these do not display live positions unless the user opts in.
Despite these assurances, critics say the feature could expose sensitive information. Some creators, influencers, and privacy advocates argue that it increases the risk of stalking or harassment by revealing daily routines. Concerns have also emerged from lawmakers, who last year warned against similar “Friend Map” plans. On Friday, Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg urging the company to “immediately abandon” the feature, citing dangers to children. Representative Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) also called it “an unnecessary violation of privacy.”
Instagram Head Adam Mosseri has defended the feature, noting that he uses it only with a small, curated group of friends. He acknowledged user confusion about location-tagged stories and said design changes will be made to clarify what is being shared.
The debate comes as location-sharing tools remain popular on other platforms, such as Snapchat’s Snap Map, but continue to raise safety and privacy questions. Meta says parental controls allow guardians to disable location sharing for ****s, but critics argue more safeguards are needed before widespread adoption.
