The star thinks it's disgusting and wants to warn other parents
NADIA Sawalha has hit out at the ‘creepy’ new Snapchat feature that allows teens to track each other to within a few metres.
The Loose Women presenter branded it ‘disgusting and dangerous’ in a video posted on her Facebook page about the social media app’s new SnapMaps – after discovering her 14-year-old daughter Maddie was using it.
SnapMaps means that as well as users being able to see exactly where their friends are they can also see what they’re doing - if they’re driving, on a plane or even asleep, using their phone’s GPS sensor.
Looking concerned, Nadia – who was joined by Maddie - warned: “OK guys, if any of your children have Snapchat it’s really important you listen to what Maddie here, my 14-year-old daughter, has to say.
“So explain it to me again Maddie, because I can’t quite believe it…”
Maddie then went on to explain how Snapchat had updated the app recently, with the SnapMaps feature showing exactly where you are unless it is switched to ‘ghost mode’.
The teen said: “Snapchat automatically updated me and I wasn’t aware that it was on, being that people in that moment could see what I was doing.
“I could see that my friend Leah was listening to music, someone else was sleeping…”
Asked what advice she would have for other users, she said: “Check that your children are on ghost mode because it’s really dangerous…”
SnapMaps means that as well as users being able to see exactly where their friends are they can also see what they’re doing - if they’re driving, on a plane or even asleep, using their phone’s GPS sensor.
Users’ ‘snaps’, or videos, are plotted onto a worldwide map, with anyone able to see where anyone is unless they use the private feature.
Users of the app can also search for locations such as individual schools, with the app displaying public photos and videos sent by students.
Nadia added: “So, super creepy. I mean control issues or what? Also what if you don’t get invited to the party and you see all your friends are at another party?
“I just think it’s disgusting. This is so dangerous. This is a step too far. I am completely horrified by this, but what do you think? Am I being a really overprotective mother?”
The TV presenter isn’t the only one to express concerns though and the Snapchat team have been forced to defend their decision.
A spokesperson said: "The safety of our community is very important to us and we want to make sure that all Snapchatters, parents and educators have accurate information about how the Snap Map works.
"With Snap Map, location-sharing is off by default for all users and is completely optional.
“Snapchatters can choose exactly who they want to share their location with, if at all, and can change that setting at any time.
"It’s also not possible to share your location with someone who isn’t already your friend on Snapchat, and the majority of interactions on Snapchat take place between close friends."
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