The new Instagram Map feature is under heavy fire in the United States, as lawmakers and state attorneys general warn it could put children at risk. Although no U.S. court has ordered Meta to stop the feature, political and legal pressure is mounting for the company to suspend it immediately.
Lawmakers Sound the Alarm
U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have called on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to disable the Instagram Map feature, citing fears it could be used by predators to track minors. They claim Meta’s parental controls are confusing and insufficient for preventing misuse.
37 State Attorneys General Join In
A bipartisan coalition of 37 state attorneys general issued a letter on August 13, 2025, warning that the feature poses “significant public safety and privacy risks.” They urged Meta to:
- Disable the feature for users under 18
- Add stronger safety alerts for all users
- Provide a clear and simple way to opt out
Meta Defends the Feature
Meta insists the Instagram Map feature is opt-in and off by default. The company says users must give consent twice before sharing their location and that safety has been a top priority in the feature’s design. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri responded to criticism by stating that the backlash is based on misunderstanding, promising that Meta is reviewing the feedback.
Privacy and Safety Debate
Critics argue that even with opt-in settings, teenagers may not fully understand the risks of location sharing. Cybersecurity experts warn that publicly visible location histories could allow strangers to track patterns of movement, increasing risks of stalking or harassment.
Why It Matters
The Instagram Map feature safety concerns debate highlights a broader struggle between tech innovation and user protection. While Meta promotes it as a way to help friends connect in real life, lawmakers are pressing for tighter safeguards—especially for vulnerable users like minors.
