Observed Signal · Feb 26, 2024 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Instagram's Friend Map: Location Sharing
Instagram is developing a Friend Map feature that would let users share their location and view friends on an interactive map. Discovered by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, the feature is shown via screenshots indicating real-time location updates and the ability to leave location-based notes. It is designed with privacy in mind, offering access controls (followers, close friends) and end-to-end encryption to safeguard data. A Ghost Mode would hide the last active location, and location updates would occur only when the app is open, giving users discretion over when to share. Instagram has not officially confirmed the feature or announced a rollout date. The concept bears resemblance to Snapchat's Snap Map, highlighting ongoing experimentation around location sharing and user privacy on social platforms.
Technical Release (Instagram / Meta) with privacy-focused location sharing and rollout uncertainty.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Instagram is developing a Friend Map to share location and display friends on a map.
- Real-time location updates and location-based notes are part of the feature concept.
- Privacy controls include sharing options (followers, close friends) and end-to-end encryption.
- Ghost Mode would hide the last active location; updates occur only when the app is open.
- Screenshots were shared by Alessandro Paluzzi; no official confirmation or rollout date yet.
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Snap Exec: Much AI-Generated Content Is Just Crap
In an interview at DMEXCO 2026, Jan Müller, Senior Sales Manager for Largest Customers DACH at Snap, discussed the platform's stance on AI-generated content. Snap has stopped recommending wholly AI-generated videos in Snapchat's Spotlight feed to combat what is often referred to as 'AI slop'. Müller acknowledged that while some AI-generated content is good, much of it is low quality. He also touched on the importance of authenticity and the mix of brand and performance advertisers on the platform.
Snap Exec Urges Brands to Embrace Private Chats
In a guest commentary on Meedia, Jan Müller, Senior Sales Manager Largest Customers DACH at Snap Inc., argues that brands must shift focus from reach to relevance in private communication channels. Citing Snap's 'The Great Brand Reset' study with Mindscope, he highlights that 56% of German respondents share content with a small, specific group, and 61% prefer private interactions with brands via DMs, stories, or chatbots. He emphasizes that chats are not just for customer service but offer potential for brand engagement, especially with Gen Z. He advocates for creating content that provides practical value, using camera and AR for try-before-buy experiences, and being relevant in moments of decision-making. The commentary provides no new product launches or company announcements.
California governor vetoes bill banning 'pervert glasses' secret recording
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1130, which would have made it illegal to secretly record people using wearable recording devices like smart glasses. Newsom argued the bill defined wearable recording devices too broadly, potentially causing unintended consequences, and that existing state laws already provide adequate protections. The bill aimed to address privacy concerns amid the rise of always-listening devices from companies like Meta and Snap, which have seen significant sales. If enacted, California would have been the first state to regulate smart glasses, with fines or prison time for violators. The decision comes as other countries, like Norway, are considering similar bans. Critics have dubbed such devices 'pervert glasses' following incidents of harassment. The veto means no new specific regulations for these wearables in California yet.
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