A “precise location” toggle in the app location settings on iOS and Android devices is reported to be able to disclose a user’s precise location with other Instagram users, according to viral posts and videos.
This was allegedly caused by an Instagram or iOS upgrade, according to some popular postings.
Instagram, however, said that this was untrue and that the function did not divulge users’ locations.
The term “precise position”
Users of iPhone and iOS devices were first made aware of the setting in 2020’s yearly iOS 14 operating system update from Apple. In 2021, Google released it for Android 12.
It provides users with the ability to offer some apps a more precise location.
Although it is now considered as a contentious feature by some, when it was originally introduced it was hailed as a solution to enhance user privacy on mobile devices because it provides an alternative to location services being applied universally.
When users provide an app permission to access their location, the setting is automatically turned on for them.
Only an approximative location will be identified and utilized for apps where exact location is disabled.
When enabled in an app’s location settings, this permission allows them to use GPS to pinpoint a precise position for specific purposes, like travel or gathering background and private user data.
Each app has a different way of using it.
For instance, Snapchat uses it for Snap Map, which allows users to share their position with other users provided they have granted the app permission or are not in secret “ghost mode.” Uber may use this to identify your location when you book a ride.
How does Instagram operate?
Some of the trending posts claimed that people can now find your precise position if you share it in posts or stories on Instagram or iOS.
Additionally, they stated that even if users posted a city’s broad location, viewers would still be able to see your precise location as a pin on a map.
They continued by saying that crooks are using this feature to target people online, particularly influencers.
The assertions were made in infographics, popular TikToks, and memes, some of which urged users to quickly disable precise location on Instagram.
Instagram posted an explanation regarding how it utilizes the option but did not react to BBC News’ request for comment on the claims.
InstagramComms, its PR department, added: “We don’t divulge your location to anyone, just to be clear. We use precise location for things like location tags and maps features, just like other social media companies.”
For instance, when attempting to add a geotag to an Instagram Story or post, users with exact location enabled will see possibilities for areas closer to them.
Instagram’s CEO Adam Mosseri quoted the company’s reaction and reiterated that location services are a phone setting and not a recent Instagram addition.
We don’t disclose your whereabouts to anyone else, he continued.
source: BBC
