SnapChat's SnapMap- brings you closer or breaks privacy?

Courtesy: TechCrunch

SnapChat has introduced a new opt-in feature called SnapMap. SnapMap is exactly what you are thinking- a map of your Snap friends but it is not just that. It allows you to share your location with your friends. Sounds similar to Facebook Friends, right? A bit. SnapMap is a stylised map that shows exactly where your friends posted their recent snaps. Here is the intro video:

Here's how to use it: pinch to zoom-out the Camera. You will be able to see an Actionmoji- which is nothing but a cartoon picture of your friend. They are nearly at the shown position in the map. You need to give access to the location to use the SnapMap. Click on the Actionmoji and you can see the Snap.

It is not as simple as allowing an access to location to the Google Maps. After using the SnapMap for some time, I realised it shares your last location, not only when you share a Snap but every time you open SnapChat. That is not good. A straight blow to the privacy. To be honest, if I was to open SnapChat at night, it would share my location, opening vulnerable doors to stalking, lurking and other dangerous activites having real-life consequences.

Courtesy: The Verge and SnapChat

As told to The Verge by SnapChat:

1. Your location will be shared only to your friends.
2. SnapChat will delete your precise location after a certain short period (not specified).
3. You will disappear from the SnapMap, if not used for 8 hours.

If you have opted for the SnapMap, your exact location can be seen by your friends which is your last seen upto 8 hours. If you feel vulnerable and do not find it really necessary to use, do not allow access to your location, that is, use the Ghost Mode. Ghost Mode will disable the SnapMap.

Honestly, I will prefer to remain 'Ghost' to the SnapMap. It is a direct hit to privacy. If someone can see a Snap and your precise location, you are clearly vulnerable. On the other side, it has definitely lit a spark to InstaSnap battle, yet again. Let's see what Insta has to offer, till then.

What do you feel about the SnapMap? Let us know in the comments below.

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