Snapchat is introducing a new safety feature for its Snap Map that allows users to share their real-time location with their friends.
Snapchat rolls out new location feature
The feature, called Live Location, doesn't require the app to be open to share your location, but it does require a mutual friend. Snap Inc. says privacy is a key factor for Live Location and has implemented several security features to keep users safe.
Location sharing has been a feature on Snap Map since 2017, but it was never real-time and only provided a general area instead of an exact spot. Additionally, the app had to be open. With Live Location, you can put your phone in your pocket or bag while broadcasting your location. Live Location is turned off by default, and there’s no way to broadcast your location to a wider area, since sharing your whereabouts is limited to mutually added friends. And before you use Live Location, Snapchat will run a tutorial that teaches you how to use the new feature and configure its settings.
According to Yahoo! Finance and Snap Inc., the location tracker appears to have a timer ranging from a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum of eight hours. The announcement also notes that Snaps shared between friends and "sensitive locations" will remain private.
