Overview

• Instagram Map, launched Aug. 6, is an opt-in feature that Meta says is off by default and shares live locations and tagged posts for 24 hours only with selected or mutual followers.
• A post on X urging users to disable the feature has drawn over 46 million views as people reported unintended location exposure.
• Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal urged Meta to shut down the tool, citing child safety and privacy risks including exposure to predators.
• Instagram head Adam Mosseri acknowledged user confusion about consent and pledged rapid interface improvements to clarify opt-in flows and strengthen controls.
• Privacy experts warn that live location-sharing tools can enable harassment, stalking and other threats, especially for teens.