New Snapchat Update Raises Child Safety Concerns

A recent update to Snapchat which shows publicly posted images on a searchable map has raised safety concerns amongst parents.

Snap Map allows people to search for places such as schools and see videos and pictures posted by children inside.

It also lets you locate your “friends” on a map that is accurate enough to determine where people live.

Snap, the company behind Snapchat, stressed that location sharing was an opt-in feature.

Snap Map is being promoted as a “new way to explore the world” where video clips and photos that members have posted publicly can be discovered on the map, while members who have chosen to share their location can also be seen on the map by those they have added as “friends”.

Members can however also add people they have never met to their friend’s list.

Parents are concerned about the update, describing it as “dangerous”.

People have expressed their worries online that the app could be used for stalking or working out exactly where somebody lives.

“If you zoom right in on this new Snapchat map thing it literally tells you where everyone lives? Like exact addresses – bit creepy no?” wrote one user.

“This new Snapchat update is awful. An invitation for stalkers, kidnappers, burglars and relationship trust issues,” suggested another.

Here’s how to switch off Snap Map location sharing

• When in photo-taking mode, pinch the screen to open Snap Map
• Touch the settings cog in the top right corner of the screen
• Tap “Ghost Mode” to switch off location sharing
• Photos and videos posted to Snapchat’s public ‘Our Story’ will still be discoverable on the map