Snap Maps lets users track each other’s movements in real time, but child safety groups are cautioning young people against sharing their location.
Snapchat has introduced a map feature that lets users track other people’s location in real time, raising concerns among safety and privacy advocates.
Snap Maps, launched this week, plots users and their snaps onto a map so friends and other Snapchatters can see where they are and what they are doing.
“We’ve built a whole new way to explore the world! See what’s happening, find your friends, and get inspired to go on an adventure!” said the company in a blogpost announcing the update.
When they first use the feature, users can select whether they want to make their location visible to all of their friends, a select group of connections or to no one at all, which Snapchat refers to as “ghost mode”.
The new feature has raised concerns among safety experts who fear it could be used to stalk or bully others.
“Given how specific this new feature is on Snapchat – giving your location to a precise pinpoint on a map – we would encourage users not to share their location, especially with people they don’t know in person,” said child safety group Childnet International in a blogpost.
“It is important to be careful about who you share your location with, as it can allow people to build up a picture of where you live, go to school and spend your time.”