The UCF Police Department advises the community about a new feature on Snapchat that allows users to show their location to friends and followers.
The popular app’s new feature, Snap Maps, allows others to see when users are not home along with other location information.
This feature poses a risk, especially for the UCF community, since studies show that the largest group to use Snapchat falls within the 18 to 24 age range. The app has more than 500 million downloads.
At UCF, the most popular crime on campus is theft, and allowing others to see exactly where you are gives them the opportunity to know where you live and when you are or aren’t home.
UCFPD recommends turning off Snap Maps on the app and going into “ghost mode.” Users can see others on the map, but their locations remain private.
To view Snap Maps and turn on “ghost mode,” open the Snapchat app and pinch the screen. Once the map appears, tap the “settings” option in the upper right hand corner. Select “ghost mode” and exit out of the screen.