Snapchat has a new opt-in location feature, that can share the exact location of your child.
Snap Map was launched this week as a way to share locations with friends and “see where they’re at and what’s going on around them”.
“Only the people you choose can see your location — so if you’re friends with your boss, you can still keep your location on the down low during a ‘sick day’,” Snapchat’s website states.
Some child safety groups have shared concerns and warned against using the location feature, due to stalking and bullying.
But Snapchat say the map initially operates in “ghost mode” and needs to be enabled to work.
Users can select three operational modes – “ghost mode”, “select friends” or “my friends” via the settings gear in the map.
“The safety of our community is very important to us and we want to make sure that all Snapchatters, parents and educators have accurate information about how the Snap Map works,” a Snapchat spokesperson told Mamamia.
“With Snap Map, location-sharing is off by default for all users and is completely optional.
“Snapchatters can choose exactly who they want to share their location with, if at all, and can change that setting at any time,” they added.
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, says the new feature is a great opportunity for parents to have conversations with their children about the pros and cons of location services.
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