The popular Snapchat app is navigating tricky - and some say dangerous - territory.
The new 'Snap Maps' shows your followers your location down to the street.
“People can see where you are,” WPTV internet security expert Alan Crowetz explains. “It's a stalker's delight. A pedophile would be all over something like this.”
“It's kinda rattling the security world because it's tipping off people to where you are. A lot of people don't know this update was rolled out or what it does.
Crowetz says as tech advances, we're left with a dilemma
“You have to decide - do you want the convenience or do you want the security? Rarely can you get both completely,” he says.
As we continue to fight for that balance, he says education is important.
“Have that talk with your children,” Crowetz says. “A lot of parents don't know what there is out there, and what they should be concerned about. Education is number one.”
Parents we spoke to were caught on both sides of the Snap Maps argument
“The minute a kid goes around the corner, and someone knows you're there and knows your kid is there…that is an opportunity,” says parent Alexai Perrez.
Mother Kelly Levy wasn't as concerned.
“It doesn't really bother me because there's dangers everywhere,” she says.
She says ultimately it comes down to parent discretion.
“Some teens might be able to use that responsibly, and some may not be able to,” Levy says.
The company says the ‘Snap Maps’ setting is off by default.
Although many users online have claimed otherwise.
To turn it off, click on the settings tab in the corner of the screen and select ‘Ghost Mode’.
If you would like to sign up for a free internet safety checklist from Alan Crowetz click here.
