KUALA LUMPUR – Instagram is reportedly working on a new privacy-centric feature that will allow users to voluntarily remove themselves from someone else’s “Close Friends” list.
Currently, the popular social media platform only allows the creator of the list to add or remove members. This means that if a user is added to a “Close Friends” circle against their preference, they have no direct way to exit that group without unfollowing or blocking the account holder.
Enhancing User Autonomy The development of this feature was first highlighted by mobile researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, who frequently discovers unreleased features within the app’s code. According to early screenshots, a new “Leave” option will appear within the Close Friends settings, giving users more control over whose private content they see.
“This move is seen as a way to reduce social pressure,” tech analysts noted. “Many users feel overwhelmed by the influx of private stories from acquaintances they aren’t truly close with, but they hesitate to ask to be removed to avoid social awkwardness.”
Privacy and Social Boundaries The “Close Friends” feature, represented by a green circle around profile pictures, was originally designed to create a “safe space” for sharing more personal content. However, as users’ networks grow, these lists often include people who may no longer wish to be part of that inner circle.
The upcoming update aims to address this by:
- Giving users the power to manage their own digital boundaries.
- Reducing digital clutter in the Stories feed.
- Allowing for a more “quiet” exit without the need for direct confrontation.
Official Rollout Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has not yet officially announced a release date for the feature. As it is currently in the development phase, it is expected to undergo internal testing before being rolled out to beta testers and eventually the global user base.
This update follows a series of recent changes by Instagram aimed at improving user experience and mental well-being, including more granular controls over who can tag or mention accounts.
