Snapchat simplifies location sharing, improves blocking feature to protect younger users

Snapchat announced on Tuesday that it is expanding its security features on the popular photo and video messaging platform in an attempt to protect younger users on the platform. Users will be able to use the blocking feature more effectively, while location sharing is simplified. Meanwhile, Snapchat says it will prevent strangers from sending a friend request to teenagers if they don’t have mutual friends. In-app alerts displayed within the app will also warn younger users of the risks of responding to suspicious users.

Snapchat is improving the blocking feature

According to details shared by Snapchat, the messaging app’s blocking feature has been expanded to protect users from repeated harassment. If a user blocks someone on Snapchat, the app will automatically block new friend requests from other accounts created on the same device. Rival Instagram allows users to automatically block additional user-created accounts.

Snapchat friend request policy tightened, location sharing simplified

Snapchat users will no longer be able to send friend requests to users between the ages of 13 and 17, unless they have mutual friends. Similarly, users accessing the app from “locations frequently associated with fraud” will not be able to send requests to users. According to the company, the localized version of this feature will be introduced in India soon.

Location sharing on Snapchat has also been simplified, allowing younger users to control which friends can see their location, on the Snap Map feature. The app will also show users regular reminders to review the list of people they’ve shared their location with, according to the company.

Improved in-app alerts on Snapchat

To protect teenagers from suspicious users and scammers, Snapchat says its in-app alert system is now smarter and can alert users to messages from users who are from another region. The alert will also be displayed to people who receive messages from users who are blocked or logged in.

Snapchat says the new features announced Tuesday will be rolled out across the service, and are aimed at keeping users safe on the platform. The service allows teenagers to use the platform, and these new features could help the platform reduce the risk of inappropriate content or contact from older users, cyber bullies and scammers.