ISLAMABAD: Meta has rolled out the Instagram Map feature in Pakistan, offering users an interactive new way to discover content, connect with friends, and explore local experiences — all with enhanced privacy controls, the company said.
In a press release, Meta said the feature is now accessible directly at the top of users’ Direct Message (DM) inboxes.
The Instagram Map enables users in Pakistan to share their location and explore stories, reels, posts, and notes tagged with nearby places, such as restaurants, cafes, concerts, and local attractions.
Meta explained that the feature is designed to make it easier for users to see what friends and favourite creators are sharing from around them, enhancing real-world connection through digital discovery.
Privacy-focused design
Meta underscored that privacy remains at the core of the new feature, the company stated. Location sharing is switched off by default, and users have full control over who can see their last active location — whether it’s visible to all friends, close friends, or no one at all.
A clear indicator at the top of the map shows when location sharing is active, and reminders appear whenever users add location tags to their posts or stories. The company said the system ensures transparency and user awareness at every step.
“Parents supervising teens on Instagram also have full oversight, with options to view and manage their child’s sharing preferences,” Meta added, highlighting its ongoing focus on safety and parental controls.
Safety enhancements
As part of the rollout, Meta has refined Instagram Map by removing profile photos from map content, improving indicators for when location sharing is turned off, and introducing a preview option so users can see how tagged content will appear before posting.
These changes, Meta said, are part of its broader effort to make location sharing on Instagram more intuitive and secure, especially for younger users.
Broader update to Instagram
The launch of Instagram Map in Pakistan follows Meta’s August announcement of several new features designed to boost sharing and connectivity across the app.
The updates included a dedicated profile tab for reposted content, a refreshed Reels interface, and a “Friends” tab highlighting content that users’ friends interact with most.
Meta said these updates aim to make Instagram a more personalised, engaging, and safer space for its global community.
