Snap Maps, a brand new feature released by Snapchat this week, has caused a storm across the UK following major safety concerns.
Children and adults alike are at risk, with the new mapping feature which was acquired for over $250,000. It not only gives your location, but also tells your friends if you’re sleeping.
Most Snapchat users have a few people, if not more, on their account that they’ve never met and don’t actually know. If you’re going to use Snap Maps, now’s a good time to delete anyone you’re not sure of before you become the victim of a life-changing crime.
For those trying to avoid an ex-partner or have been relocated due to domestic violence reasons – now’s the time to disable Snap Maps altogether.
To disable the feature, go to Snap Maps by pinching the camera screen. Once there, go to the Settings tab (the cog set top right of the screen) and turn on Ghost Mode.
Once disabled, tou’ll still be able to view your friends’ movements and view snaps from events and locations around the world, but no one will be able to track you.
The UK Safer Internet Centre said: “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.
“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.
“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,” said a spokesperson from the company.
“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. It’s also not possible to share your location with someone who isn’t already your friend on Snapchat, and the majority of interactions on Snapchat take place between close friends.”
