Snapchat is prioritizing privacy with a suite of new security features announced on Tuesday. These updates include expanded in-app warnings, enhanced friend protections, simplified location sharing, and improved blocking. The changes appear to be a response to a recent Bloomberg report about predators targeting teens on the app and news of multiple teen suicides.
Snapchat first introduced the Family Center in 2022 but has faced ongoing criticism for not adequately safeguarding minor users. It seems Snapchat is now taking these concerns seriously and implementing measures to address the problem.
In-App Warnings
In-app warnings, introduced in November, provide a pop-up alert when a teen receives a message from someone they aren’t mutual friends with or have on their contact list. Snapchat is expanding this feature to show a warning message when contacted by someone who has been blocked or reported by other users or is from a region outside the teen’s network.
Expanded Friend Protections
Snapchat is enhancing friend protections by preventing the delivery of friend requests from users the teen doesn’t have mutual friends with. This applies to both incoming and outgoing requests. This update builds on a previous feature that prevented teens from being suggested for Quick Add or Search unless they had multiple mutual connections. The aim is to limit sextortion scams targeting vulnerable underage users.
Simplified Location Sharing
Snapchat is simplifying location sharing. By default, location sharing is off on Snap Map, and this will remain unchanged. The company will now add frequent reminders to keep users updated on friends sharing their locations and provide customization options to limit or permit which friends can see their location. Users will no longer be able to broadcast their location to the entire Snapchat community.
Blocking Improvements
Snapchat has improved its blocking feature. Previously, users who were blocked could create new accounts on the same device to circumvent the block and continue sending harassing messages. Now, blocked users will be prevented from sending new friend requests from other accounts created on the same device, closing this loophole.
