Snapchat Unveils New Location History Feature: What It Is and How It Works

Snapchat is introducing a new feature called "Footsteps" to its iOS users, with plans to extend it to Android users soon, as reported by TechCrunch. This feature was previously exclusive to Snapchat+ subscribers but is now being rolled out to a broader audience. "Footsteps" allows users to track their travel history using the Snap Map, offering a visual representation of where they’ve been. While this feature may appeal to those who want to keep track of their travels and adventures, it also raises concerns regarding privacy and location tracking.

What is the "Footsteps" Feature?

The "Footsteps" feature is designed to allow Snapchat users to see where they’ve traveled by displaying their movements on the Snap Map. This visual representation shows how much of the world, a country, or even a city the user has explored. For instance, the app could reveal that you’ve covered 30% of your city or 5% of Paris if you visited the city over the summer.

At its core, the feature builds your travel history using Snaps that are saved in your Memories. It first utilizes this historical data to create a map of your travels. As you continue using the app, it will begin to track your real-time location and update your travel history accordingly. This feature not only reflects where you’ve been but also adds a sense of adventure, showing you the percentage of places you’ve explored.

How Does "Footsteps" Work?

"Footsteps" combines your saved Snaps and your location data to create a detailed travel history on the Snap Map. Initially, the app relies on past Snaps saved in your Memories to determine where you’ve been. Once enabled, the feature will begin to use real-time location data to update your movements on the map.

To access and use the "Footsteps" feature, Snapchat’s Ghost Mode must be turned off. Ghost Mode is a privacy setting that hides your location from friends and the Snap Map. When turned on, Snapchat cannot track your movements, and the "Footsteps" feature won’t work. Once Ghost Mode is disabled, the app can track your movements, but this information remains private and only visible to you.

This feature not only lets users track their travel history but also gives them the option to share their adventures with friends. Snapchat allows users to create custom stickers displaying where they’ve been. These stickers can be shared in Snaps or Stories, giving a fun and creative way to show off your travels. If you don’t want to use "Footsteps" anymore, Snapchat provides an option to either turn it off or delete your travel history from the app’s settings under the "Map" section.

Privacy Concerns: Does "Footsteps" Breach Users' Privacy?

With the introduction of "Footsteps," privacy concerns are an understandable issue for many users. Tracking location history can raise red flags, especially for those wary of apps collecting and storing personal data. However, Snapchat has taken steps to ensure that users retain control over their privacy with this new feature.

One key privacy safeguard is that "Footsteps" are only visible to the user. No one else can see your location history unless you actively choose to share it with friends. This ensures that your travel data remains private, giving users control over how and with whom they share their information. Snapchat also allows users to turn off the "Footsteps" feature entirely or clear their travel history whenever they want, further boosting control over personal data.

Despite these privacy measures, some users may still be uneasy about real-time location tracking. Even though Snapchat promises that the data is private and visible only to the user, the idea of the app continuously tracking your location might not sit well with everyone. Privacy is subjective, and while some may feel secure with the safeguards Snapchat offers, others may remain uncomfortable with the app tracking their every move.

How Snapchat Handles Location Data

Although "Footsteps" relies on tracking user location, Snapchat has given users full control over their data. For instance, the Ghost Mode feature lets users hide their location from the Snap Map and their friends. If enabled, Snapchat won’t collect location data for travel history, providing an extra layer of privacy.

Additionally, Snapchat’s settings give users control over when and how their location is shared. You can choose to turn the feature on or off depending on your preference, and the data is not stored permanently unless you choose to keep it. Snapchat’s approach to location data is flexible, allowing users to customize their privacy settings in a way that suits them.

While Snapchat does collect location data for this feature, the company has been transparent about the process and has given users options to manage their privacy settings. This is crucial for users who might not want to share their location or store a travel history but still enjoy using other features of the app.

Conclusion

Snapchat's "Footsteps" feature is a unique addition that allows users to track their travel history in a fun and interactive way. By combining location data and saved Snaps, users can see how much of the world they’ve explored and share their adventures with friends through custom stickers. However, as with any feature that tracks real-time location, privacy concerns are inevitable.

Snapchat has taken significant steps to ensure that users have control over their data. The travel history is private, only visible to the user unless shared, and the feature can be turned off at any time. While some users may still have reservations about real-time location tracking, Snapchat’s flexibility in privacy settings provides reassurance for those concerned about data security.

Ultimately, whether to use "Footsteps" depends on individual preferences. For those who love tracking their travels and sharing their experiences, this feature could be an exciting addition to Snapchat. However, for users more concerned about privacy, Snapchat's robust settings allow them to disable location tracking, offering a balance between functionality and security.