According to a viral post, stalkers can access the precise location of Instagram users via the app. The accusation compelled Instagram to respond.
Instagram has finally responded to reports that stalkers can now track the exact location of app users following a recent update. A rumour has been circulating on social media that the recent Instagram update activates ‘precise location’ on the user’s phone. This gives stalkers access to the Instagram user’s location.
Since a new update, people can find your EXACT location from Instagram
According to a report, an influencer marketing firm made the claim, which was then amplified on Instagram by other users. The message claiming that stalkers and criminals can access Instagram users’ locations. It read, “Because of a new update, people can find your EXACT location from Instagram. Additionally, it is used by individuals to target people to commit crimes such as theft, stalking, and so on.”
“Please turn off precise location. You can do this by going to your phone’s settings, Instagram, and then turning off exact location” the post went on to say.
Instagram provides a clarification to its users
In response to the aforementioned post, Instagram’s PR team clarified that the app does not share the user’s location with anyone. Furthermore, it employs precise location for features such as location tags and maps.
Instagram Communications stated in a series of tweets, “We’ve seen a meme go around about how Instagram uses “precise location.” To be clear, we do not share your location with anyone. We, like other social media companies, use your location for things like location tags and maps features. Individuals can control Location Services through their settings app and tag locations in their posts if they want to share that information.”
It is well known that precise location is not something new found on Instagram. According to PC Magazine, Apple will unveil precise location in 2020, while Google will launch it with Android 12.
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