The arrival of a feature that shows real-time location within Instagram has sparked intense debate among its users. Although this tool, known as “Map of Friends”, which is not yet active in Spain, has already begun to be implemented in countries such as Peru and other parts of Latin America, generating surprise and, above all, concern regarding personal privacy on the social network.
Meta, the company behind Instagram, argues that the new option aims to make it easier for friends to meet up, by easily showing where your contacts are. However, for Many are concerned about the possibility of being tracked. Every time they use the app, as the location is automatically updated and remains visible for 24 hours, as long as they continue to access the platform.
What is the “Friends Map” and why has it generated so much rejection?
The essence of the function lies in allowing contacts with whom there is reciprocity in monitoring can see your exact location on an interactive map included in direct messages. Your friends—or, as many point out, any followers within your circle—can see your icon on the map, along with your profile picture and last online time. The location is updated every time the app is opened, and that information is retained for a period of 24 hours.
The fundamental difference compared to similar tools such as Apple's "Search" or the location of WhatsApp and Telegram is that, On Instagram, you can't manage in such detail who receives our data.. Since the social network usually has an extensive contact list, many consider that this possibility implies a a clear risk to privacy, especially in contexts where not all followers are trusted friends.
According to recent surveys, a significant percentage of users, especially young people, prefers to remove location permissions for fear of being tracked or having their security compromised. Furthermore, many users have reported that activating the feature can be excessively easy, even doing so accidentally and without fully understanding the consequences.
How to turn location on and off on Instagram
To use the “Friends Map”, it is necessary update the app to the latest version and access the Direct Messages section. A new map icon will appear there, allowing you to activate the feature after accepting the corresponding conditions. Once enabled, The location can only be viewed by those who have the function activated and share the permission..
If you find it uncomfortable or do not want to expose your movements, you can disable the option in several ways:
- Stealth mode: From the map itself, by accessing the settings and activating invisible mode, you can hide your location for 3 hours, 24 hours, or indefinitely.
- Visibility settings: You can select who sees your location: all your friends, only best friends, a specific list, or no one.
- Remove location permissions: From your phone's settings, you can deny Instagram access to your location, ensuring the app can't use this data.
Also, if the feature is not yet active in your country, it is recommended anticipate and limit permits from the system settings to avoid surprises in future updates.
User opinions and concerns about privacy
The Instagram community has shown mixed opinions. While some value the functionality for coordinate plans, meetings and events With their friends, most prioritize security and opt for maximum discretion. In Latin America, where the tool has taken many by surprise, the fact that the option can be activated so easily and without explicit consent has caused particular rejection.
Privacy experts warn that although the feature is optional, Excessive exposure can increase risk situations such as harassment, data theft, or loss of control over our information. The general recommendation is review your privacy settings often and familiarize yourself with the available settings.
This type of features represents a turning point in how we interact on social networks, always posing a balance between connectivity and data protectionBefore activating the feature, it's a good idea to consider who's in your network and under what circumstances it's appropriate to share your location.
