The new Instagram functionality, entitled “Friends Map” caused serious concerns of cybersecurity specialists.
The tool automatically shows the exact location of users to their subscribers - not only at the time of publication of the post, but also during the usual use of the application.
Experts warn: this creates risks for privacy, as well as physical and digital security, especially for children and public figures.
How the "Friends Map" works
When publishing a post, Instagram may note the location of the author without his clear consent. Moreover, the function allows other people in real time to see where you are, even if you did not turn on the geolocation manually.
The card can show this location, even if the user indicates another. For example, the official page of President of Cyprus Nikos Christolidis published a post from Akakia, and the card recorded its real movement. A similar situation occurred with government officials Konstantinos Letimbiotis and Marina Hatzimanoli, whose real locations were available in the appendix.
Threats
Physical danger. The user can be a victim of surveillance, harassment or attack if attackers find out his location. Digital threat. Accurate tracking enables scammers to use data for targeted advertising, phishing and cyber attacks.
Amit Vaigman, a technical expert, emphasized:
“I literally see where dozens of people are - at home, on the way, at work. This is incredibly dangerous. "
How to protect yourself
Disconnect access to geolocation. Open the phone settings → Applications → Instagram → Permissions → Location → Select “Never” or “Never allow”. Check the profile confidentiality. Make an account closed and limit the circle of subscribers. For children - turn on parental control. This will limit the access of applications to personal data and track security.
Experts strongly recommend that all users check their settings, and parents can additionally protect children's accounts. The new function has already caused a wave of criticism and became the reason for discussing the risks of confidentiality on social networks.
Source: Alphanews.live
