Snapchat is launching a new “Footsteps” feature for all iOS users, previously available only to Snapchat+ subscribers. This feature on Snapchat lets you track where you have been and plots it into SnapMaps. It provides real-time mapping of a user’s location and detailed location history for past travel.
At first, Footsteps will use your saved Snaps from Memories to show your past travels. As Snapchat stated, “The first time you use Footsteps, we’ll use your Memories that have a location attached to them to backfill your Footsteps, so you have something to start with. This is a one-time thing, so after that, we’ll no longer use any new Memories to add to your Footsteps.” – creepy! After that, snapchat will use real-time location data to track your movement. Footsteps only works if you have location sharing enabled, and will not work in Ghost Mode, which hides your location.
Footsteps will show a user stats like how many countries you’ve visited or what percentage of your city you’ve explored. These numbers are based on Snaps you’ve saved, so frequent users will get more accurate results.
Snapchat states that only you can see your “Footsteps” but given that this is a new feature we will see. It is also important to know that Snapchat will also be able to see your footsteps, so from a privacy standpoint how will they be using this data as a company.
Two reasons why we don’t like this feature from a safety standpoint:
1/ It will reveal your frequent travel spots within your city, making it easier for others to predict where you might be and potentially encounter you in person. If someone gains access to your phone or Snapchat account, they could view this information
2/ It can be used for targeted marketing – remember nothing is every free when it comes to these apps!
Although this feature maybe a cool option for adults who do a lot of travelling and want to share their travel journey with friends or journal their travel for themselves, this is not an option we would recommend that youth and teens opt into!
So how do we prevent Footsteps in Snapchat?
#1: Use Ghost Mode
We always recommend youth to operate Snapchat in “Ghost Mode” so that others can’t see where you are located. When in Ghost mode, Footsteps will not work.
To turn on Ghost Mode in Snapchat, follow these steps:
- Open Snapchat and swipe down on the camera screen to access the Snap Map.
- On the Snap Map screen, tap the gear icon in the top right corner to open the Settings.
- In the settings, you’ll see the option to toggle Ghost Mode on. When you enable Ghost Mode, your location will no longer be visible to friends on the Snap Map.
- You can choose how long to stay in Ghost Mode, we recommend the “Until turned off” (permanent Ghost Mode) option!
Once Ghost Mode is active, a ghost icon will appear next to your Bitmoji on the Snap Map, indicating that your location is hidden.
This is a great feature to maintain privacy and avoid sharing your real-time location with others.
#2 How to turn off Footsteps or clear Footsteps data:
- Open your Profile and tap the gear icon in upper right of your screen to access “Settings”.
- Scroll down to the “Account Actions” section and select “Map”.
- To turn off Footsteps, toggle off “Save new Footsteps as my location updates on the map”.
- To clear your Footsteps data, tap “Clear Footsteps History”.
While Snapchat’s new Footsteps feature may seem like a fun way to track your travel history and stats, it raises significant privacy and safety concerns—especially for younger users. By tracking and mapping real-time movements, this feature could unintentionally expose frequent travel patterns, making it easier for others to predict where you might be, and increasing the potential for both privacy breaches and targeted marketing.
Although Footsteps might appeal to adult travelers wanting to document their journeys, we recommend that teens and youth opt out of this feature for their safety. Enabling Ghost Mode and taking steps to disable or clear Footsteps data can provide better protection against these risks. It’s crucial to remain aware of the privacy implications behind seemingly cool features and prioritize safety, particularly for younger users navigating the digital world.
After all, when it comes to social media, nothing is ever truly free.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Fact Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech