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Snapchat Adds Family Location, Privacy Tools

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Nov 14, 2024, 11:39 AM by Rich Brome @richbrome

Snapchat is adding new features that take it far from its roots. The app — originally known for ephemeral photos popular with younger audiences — is now now adding family features that let parents track their kids' location and monitor privacy settings. Family members can request real-time location info from each other. Users can also set up automatic location updates, such as "arrived at school" and "arrived home", etc. Parents can also check on the location-sharing and privacy settings of their children. These new features require users to manually opt in. The move comes as Snap Inc. finds itself under increased government scrutiny, including a lawsuit by New Mexico attorney general Raúl Torrez over exploitation of minors.

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