Does Instagram know where you are? Yes, every other social media app knows your location, but that does not mean every user on the app knows it too.
Recently a user on Instagram made a post saying ‘people could find your exact location from Instagram,’ after a new update on iOS that enabled precise location sharing for the app. The same post goes on to further claim that some individuals are using the location to target people who have shared their “precise location” to stalk them.
So far, there have been no reports of such incidents because it is just a hoax. That is not how precise location works on iPhones or even Android phones.
When you download any app on your iPhone or Android phone, the app asks for your permission to access the camera, microphone, contacts and location to function properly, not to share it with other users. Similarly, apps ask for your location because they may have some feature which needs your location. Instagram needs your location for location tags and maps feature, and they say the same in their statement.
How does precise location work
The “precise location” is not something new that has appeared recently out of the blue. The option to turn on or off “precise location” has been there longer than you think. Apple first introduced the “precise location” with iOS 14, and several other Android phones have this option now.
Why is it enabled by default? You may ask. It is simple, some apps need to know your exact location to work, and that is why it is enabled for them.
The ride-hailing app on your phone needs to know your exact location, which is justified. Instagram says it needs your “precise location” for story tags and maps. But, knowing a social media app knows your exact location is something most people would not be okay with. And that is why there is an option to turn off the precise location, even Instagram suggests the same, so there is not much to worry about.
It is up to users, they can choose to share their exact location with the “precise location” enabled or let apps know their approximate coordinates.
How to turn off precise location on iPhone
Turning off the precise location on the iPhone is very easy. First, head over to the Settings on your iPhone, and scroll down to the section where you see the individual apps. Now, tap Location, and toggle off the Precise Location. You also choose if you never want to share your location, or only while using the app or select the Ask Next Time or When I Share so you get a prompt asking for your location only when needed.
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