Instagram to Allow Users to Opt Out of 'Close Friends' Lists

• Instagram is developing a feature allowing users to remove themselves from others' 'Close Friends' lists, a long-requested privacy option.
• The 'Close Friends' feature, launched in 2018, enables private sharing of Stories, Reels, and posts with a select audience.
• Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi first spotted the 'opt-out' option, with screenshots showing a warning message before removal.
• Meta, Instagram's parent company, is also planning paid subscription services across its apps and integrating the AI assistant Manus.
• The new feature aims to give users more control over their privacy and participation in curated social circles.

Why It Matters: Instagram is introducing an 'opt-out' feature for 'Close Friends' lists, enhancing user privacy and control.