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Snapchat has just launched "Snap Maps" which allows you to show your location, see your friends' on a map as well seeing snaps from places around the world.
SEE ALSO:Snapchat releases 'Snap Maps,' aka a way to stalk strangers and events nearbySnapchat released the update saying '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!"
In the words of Jack Brody, product designer at Snap, the feature "isn't about where am I, it's about where are my friends and what are they up to?"
But many people have raised privacy and safety concerns about the new feature -- particularly for teenagers, as the app allows people -- potential strangers -- to possibly track and stalk others:
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YouTuber Bella Santos warned followers about the potential danger of the app:
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Others expressed concern about their privacy:
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The app has a ghost mode available for users, who can turn off their location to make sure nobody can track them. However, those who turn on ghost mode can still track others and see their location.
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Law enforcement and schools are starting to give advice to teenagers using Snapchat in the UK.
A spokesman for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) described the possibility that under 18's will broadcast their location on the app as "worrying" as it can potentially be accessed by everyone in their contact lists, including those not known to the user.
"This highlights why its vital children are automatically offered safer accounts on social media to ensure they are protected from unnecessary risks," the spokesman told Mashable.
"Young people can hide their location using Ghost Mode, which can be switched on from the camera screen," he added. "It’s important that parents have regular conversations with young people about staying safe online, and making sure that they know how to protect their privacy."
St Peter's Academy, an Anglican secondary school in Stoke-on-Trent, gave some (inaccurate) advice on Facebook:
Misinformed by the school's Facebook post above, parents have been commenting that they couldn't find the Ghost mode and tagged their sons/daughters to inform them.
Mashable contact Staffordshire Police who explained that the technical tips actually came from the UK Safer Internet Centre.
How location sharing on Snap Maps actually works:
The assertion that the location device "is automatically enabled" is incorrect.
Location-sharing with friends is turned off by default and optional -- you choose to opt in and nothing happens without your consent. The first time you open Snapchat you'll be taken through an onboarding user-flow, where you can choose who you'd like to share your location with.
"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 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," a Snapchat spokesperson told Mashable.
“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," the spokesperson added.
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TopicsCybersecurityPrivacySnapchat