How to disable the new Instagram Map feature to protect privacy

Jakarta – Instagram launched a new feature called MAP, allowing users to share their locations in real-time with followers (followers). This feature is now available in several countries such as Pakistan, India, and Indonesia. To access this feature, users must open the Direct Messages (DM) page in the Instagram application.

After entering the DM page, the MAP feature will automatically appear at the top left of the screen. There, users will see the location of their friends in real-time. However, this feature had caused debate among users. Many disagreeing parties assume that this feature has been enabled by default without the user’s permission.

However, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, provides a guarantee that the user’s location will only be visible to others if they actively share it. To increase the sense of security, Instagram adds an indicator at the top of the MAP feature. This indicator will tell users whether they are sharing their location or not, or whether their device location is completely disabled.

For users who feel uncomfortable with the MAP feature settings, they can disable this feature in order to maintain privacy. Here’s how to disable the Instagram map feature:

• Open the Instagram app on your phone
• Go to the Direct Messages (DM) page
• Click the “Map” icon at the top left of the screen
• The words “Not Sharing Location” will appear
• Click the text and select the option whether you want to share the location or not
• If you don’t want to share at all, select “No One”
• Users can also choose certain friends to share locations by clicking “Only these friends”

According to information from Instagram, if the user gives permission to share the location, then the location will be updated every time they open the app. The location will disappear after 24 hours, unless the user re-opens the Instagram application.

This map feature is designed to make it easier for users to share locations with people they trust. Despite the pros and cons, Instagram remains committed to maintaining user privacy and providing complete control over their data. With the indicators and deactivation options, users have the flexibility to use this feature according to their respective needs and comfort.