Instagram's new 'map' feature sparks controversy

"You are currently giving your location to complete strangers on the internet!" On camera, a user vilifies a brand new feature on the social network Instagram in a video viewed by tens of thousands of internet users.

The map was introduced along with other features midweek by the American giant Meta, with the aim of "making it easier for everyone to stay in touch with their friends," according to Instagram. Similar to that of the other popular platform Snapchat, it now allows Instagram users to share their location and see those of other users.

The problem, according to Internet users, is that an individual's precise location could now be accessible to the entire Internet, depending on the security settings selected, raising concerns about user privacy.

As of Friday, dozens of videos and posts warning of the new feature were circulating on social media, garnering tens or even hundreds of thousands of views.

"What the hell is this? Instagram just launched a feature that is arguably one of the worst security features imaginable," one American user fumed in a video, warning of the danger of malicious people using this feature.

Faced with the scale of the criticism, Adam Mosseri, the head of the social network, sought to reassure on Thursday, August 7: "Your location will only be shared *if* you decide to share it, and if you do, it can only be done with a limited group of people that you choose."