Warning of children using new Snapchat location feature

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Several child protection groups are warning that Snapchat’s new location-sharing feature could allow predators to more easily track young people.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection and MediaSmarts are among the watchdog groups raising concerns about “Snap Maps” which is an opt-in feature that shares a user’s location on a map. They say people may not realize the app updates a user’s location whenever they use it, even if they’re posting images or stories.

Stephen Sour, with Cybertip.ca, says the feature could allow predators easier access to track young people. “Anytime someone posts a snap or sends a snap to another individual, their location is displayed on the map. They can see right down to the exact building that they’re in.”

Experts fear child predators who befriend young users could use the feature to figure out where they live, go to school, the route they walk every day, and eventually build up a picture of their routine. “There are some concerns there in terms of individuals being able to locate you and to track your daily movements when you’re going to and from school and walking on any given route.”

The feature was included in a recent update to the social media app, which is especially popular with teens. It lets users send photos, videos, and messages that disappear after a set period of time.

Users can select who can see where they are whether that be all friends, a select group, or no one, also known as “Ghost Mode.”

Earlier this week, the Winnipeg-based Canadian Centre for Child Protection issued an alert through its Cybertip.ca program about Snap Maps, saying users may not realize it updates their location each time they open the app, even when they’re not sharing stories.

Local police are encouraging parents to talk to their kids about the app and how they use it.

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