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It has recently been discovered that Instagram is prototyping a new feature that transfers user location history to Facebook. We believe this new feature will be used by Facebook to strengthen the social network's targeted advertising strategy.
The new feature was discovered by TechCrunch and is supposed to work exactly as described. The Instagram app will be able to share the location history of users on Facebook using the exact GPS coordinates. When the Instagram app can collect position history, she can share it on Facebook even if the user does not use the Instagram app. Facebook may then use this information to improve the targeting of its ads and may also recommend more relevant content to the user. This can be used for ads and content found on Facebook, Messenger and Instagram.
You can access this feature by going to Instagram settings and tapping on "Privacy & Security". There should be a "Location Settings" option on this page, as well as the settings for "Location Services" and "Location History". The History option allows you to collect accurate GPS location history from the user and send it to Facebook. This option is said to be disabled by default.
"To confirm, we have not introduced any updates to our location settings. As you know, we often work on ideas that may change over time or not be tested or published. Instagram does not currently store location history; we will keep people informed of any changes made to our location settings in the future, "said a Facebook spokesman at TechCrunch.
The screenshots of the feature were provided by Manchun Wong. She is the developer who leaked the prototypes of video calling and music sticker features on Instagram before their official launch. It is unclear if Facebook is considering launching this new location history feature, but that seems very likely.
The new feature will likely raise privacy issues if it is launched. Even though this feature is launched, many users may not even be aware of it. Another thing to consider here is that if Facebook decides to enable it by default, many users may not even take the time to explore their settings to disable it.
Facebook is plagued by scandals over alleged presidential interference and false news this year. More recently, it was reported that the social network had suffered a serious data breach affecting 50 million users. Instagram is kind of the light of society, but the autonomy of the application seems already threatened.
Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, the founders of Instagram, resigned from Facebook last month. The two men have decided to leave after tightening tensions with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on how Instagram is supposed to contribute to Facebook's success. The new Instagram manager is Adam Mosseri, a longtime leader on Facebook who is also responsible for the news feed.
Facebook is fighting against Google in advertising and it seems that the social network takes advantage of all its strengths. Unfortunately, this also means that Instagram users should expect changes in the operation of the application, which continues to evolve under Facebook.
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