A new feature on the popular app Snapchat has parents and police concerned about safety.
On Wednesday, Snapchat introduced Snap Map, which allows people to see exactly where their "friends" are Snapchatting from.
How it works
The app works by using your GPS in real-time. However, first, you must either opt-in or opt-out.
If you opt-in, your exact location (including streets and aerial building views) will be broadcast to anyone on your friends list every time you open the app.
To turn the feature off, you need to push 'Ghost Mode' so no one knows where you are.
Concerns about child safety
Safety experts, including the Olathe Police Department, are asking parents to be vigilant about the new update.
"Now people know exactly where you are at all the time and so do the bad guys," said Sgt. Logan Bonney. "A lot of us have a lot of friends on social media and a lot of them we don't really know that well."
Another concern, he said, is people knowing you're not home or are home alone.
Like many police departments, Olathe has had cases where people burglarize a home because they know no one is inside.
Bottom Line
If you are choosing to share your location on the map, your location will be updated every time the Snapchat map is open.
And only mutual friends can see each other on the Map.
If you do tap your friend's location, it will reflect where they last opened up Snapchat.
Other Features
In addition to seeing where friends are located, the map allows you to see events nearby.
If you post to that event, anyone will be able to see your picture or video.
