instagramlogoFacebook-owned social network Instagram is testing a feature that would allow location data collected by Instagram to be shared with Facebook, reports TechCrunch.

A prototype Location History feature being tested within Instagram suggests that Location History data collected when Location Services is turned on in the Instagram app will be used to bolster Facebook's ad targeting. From the setting:

Allows Facebook Products, including Instagram and Messenger, to build and use a history of precise locations received through Location Services on your devices.

The feature was discovered by a TechCrunch reader who often digs into new functionality that Instagram is testing.

Instagram's Location History test option collects GPS coordinates even when the app is not in use and adds them to Facebook's Activity Log, which is explained in a "Learn More" button within the Instagram app:

"Location History is a setting that allows Facebook to build a history of precise locations received through Location Services on your device. When Location History is on, Facebook will periodically add your current precise location to your Location History even if you leave the app. You can turn off Location History at any time in your Location Settings on the app. When Location History is turned off, Facebook will stop adding new information to your Location History which you can view in your Location Settings. Facebook may still receive your most recent precise location so that you can, for example, post content that's tagged with your location. Location History helps you explore what's around you, get more relevant ads, and helps improve Facebook. Location History must be turned on for some location feature to work on Facebook, including Find Wi-Fi and Nearby Friends."

A Facebook spokesperson told TechCrunch that Facebook often tests features that are not released and that Instagram does not collect and store Location History at the current time.

"To confirm, we haven't introduced updates to our location settings. As you know, we often work on ideas that may evolve over time or ultimately not be tested or released. Instagram does not currently store Location History; we'll keep people updated with any changes to our location settings in the future."

As TechCrunch points out, location data sourced from Instagram could allow Facebook to target users with local ads across Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, surfacing ads for nearby restaurants or frequently visited locations.

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It's not clear if and when Instagram plans to launch this feature, but many other prototype features discovered by TechCrunch's source have launched within a few months of being uncovered.

Update: An initial version of this article suggested Location History was on by default, but the original source who found the prototype feature says that it was actually turned off when she initially discovered it.

Top Rated Comments

mariusignorello Avatar
81 months ago
It’s like they ask themselves how they can make their app horrible day by day.
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
asdavis10 Avatar
81 months ago
Facebook is becoming worse than Google. And with a lot worse security.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BWhaler Avatar
81 months ago
Facebook is so gross.

Sheryl Sandberg and Zuck are the Tobacco CEOs of the Information Age.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
techguy9 Avatar
81 months ago
The day Instagram pushes this privacy invasion onto my iPhone is the same day I delete Instagram.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
h4ck Avatar
81 months ago
Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Instagram > Never

Now you’re good. And even if they did have my info, the jokes on them—I don’t have a FaceBook account!
actually the joke is on you -- they will continue to make a “ghost” profile, which will still track you, and still store all of your information. they then use all of the aggregated data from the sources they have. they know who you are, and you have a profile... you just didn’t sign in to it.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
81 months ago
Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Instagram > Never

Now you’re good. And even if they did have my info, the jokes on them—I don’t have a FaceBook account!
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)