Your guide to safer kids online
👁️ Live Location Tracking We Don’t Set
Hi {{Name}},
Two weeks ago, we uncovered the hidden GPS maps lurking in your child's photos. That was about static data—a snapshot of where a picture was taken. This week, we're tackling: the live location tracking some apps use without kids knowing about it (and us).
Many popular apps your kids use daily have powerful "Precision Tracking" enabled by default. And this isn't just a general area; it can be their exact street address, in real-time, visible to their entire network (even to strangers if they’re connected to a public one).
The most infamous example? Snap Maps on Snapchat.
👻 What is Snap Map (and why it's not a game):
Snap Map is an interactive map that shows the Bitmoji (digital avatar) of Snapchat friends at their exact real-time location. It updates continuously. While it's often seen as a fun way to "see what friends are up to," it essentially turns your child's phone into a live tracking device visible to anyone they've accepted as a friend. If their privacy settings aren't strict, it can even show their location to "friends of friends."
We need to understand how these powerful tools work by default. A vast difference exists between sharing a broad location (like "at school") and broadcasting "27 Elm Street, currently in the kitchen."
🛡️ The 3-Minute Action Move: Enable "Ghost Mode."
The good news? You can easily control this. This is the ultimate "Ghost Mode" strategy to lock down live tracking across their device.
1. Snapchat: Open the app; Tap the profile icon in the top-left corner; Tap the gear icon (Settings) at the top right. Scroll down to "Privacy Controls" and tap "See My Location"; Toggle on "Ghost Mode." You can choose to enable it for "3 hours", "24 hours", or "Until turned off". We recommend "Until turned off". Also, check who can "See My Location"; ensure it's set to "Only Me" or maybe to "My Friends" (but for a specific period).
2. Instagram & Facebook (for good measure): While not as overtly “live“ as Snap Map, these apps often collect and use precise location data. Go to your phone's main Settings > Navigate to ”Privacy & Security” (iPhone) or ”Location” (Android). Find Instagram and Facebook in the list of apps. Set ”Location Access” to “Never“ or “While Using App“ (and turn off “Precise Location“ if available). This prevents background tracking.
3. General Phone Location Services (The Master Switch): This is the same step we took for photos, but it is crucial for all apps.
iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Review the list. Set anything you don't want tracking your child (like games, social media) to “Never“ or “While Using App“. Disable “Precise Location“ for unnecessary apps.
Android: Settings > Location. Tap App permissions and review each app.
💬 The "Ghost Mode" Family Talk (if you need it):
Instead of just disabling it, have a conversation similar to this: "Hey, I was reading about how some apps share your exact location in real-time. That's a huge privacy risk, not just from strangers, but even from people you know. Let's make sure your phone's 'Ghost Mode' is on so you're always in control of your privacy".
Tracking Apps Made For Safety Purposes
Tracking apps designed for safety purposes can pose significant risks if misused or compromised, despite their intended benefits. While these apps help locate lost devices, monitor loved ones, or enhance personal security, they also create vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
Privacy and Surveillance Risks: Real-time location data collected by tracking apps can be leaked or accessed by unauthorized parties. This information can reveal sensitive routines, home addresses, and travel patterns, enabling stalking, harassment, or even physical harm.
Also, it’s important to know that:
Some tracking apps are designed as stalkerware, secretly recording calls, messages, GPS locations, and even activating microphones and cameras. These apps can be installed with just a few minutes of physical access to a device or through phishing links.
Research has identified dozens of stalkerware apps still available online, some even on official app stores, which often disguise themselves as legitimate tools (like battery savers or parental controls) and can operate undetected.
Zero-click exploits, such as those used by Pegasus spyware, can infect devices without user interaction—by exploiting vulnerabilities in messaging apps or operating systems.
Security Vulnerabilities: Some tracking apps and devices use weak encryption or default passwords, making them easy targets for hackers. For example, some GPS trackers broadcast location data in unencrypted form, and vulnerabilities in popular devices (such as the Micodus MV720) enabled partial or total remote control of vehicles due to hardcoded credentials and unsecured APIs.
Malicious Use and Consent Issues: Devices like Apple AirTags can be placed on someone without their knowledge, and many apps can collect data beyond their stated purpose. The lack of meaningful consent—especially when users are unaware of what data is being collected—still raises ethical and legal concerns.
To mitigate these risks, we must:
Review and limit app permissions, especially location access.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
Avoid using personal devices for sensitive tracking; consider using dedicated, secure devices.
Regularly audit apps and remove those that request unnecessary data.
Reviewing and restricting app permissions—only grant location access to apps that genuinely need it.
Turning off location services when not in use, especially on devices like phones and wearables.
Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, and use signal-blocking cases (Faraday bags) when needed.
Delete regularly our location history and use privacy-focused tools like ad blockers and secure browsers.
Family or Personal Tracking Apps That We Recommend:
Life360 (Premium Version)
Why it’s secure: Offers real-time tracking, crash detection, SOS alerts, and geofencing. The premium version includes Drive Smart™ and ID Theft Protection.
Best for: Full-family safety with driving and emergency monitoring.
Limitation: The free version has ads and less-accurate tracking; it can drain the battery.
Qustodio
Why it’s secure: Combines location tracking with parental controls, encrypted data storage, and detailed activity reports.
Best for: Families wanting both online and physical safety monitoring.
Limitation: More focused on parental control than pure location sharing.
Apple Find My
Why it’s secure: Fully integrated into iOS, uses end-to-end encryption, and works even when offline via Bluetooth and crowdsourced location.
Best for: Apple families who want a secure, reliable device and person tracking.
Limitation: Only works within the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirTags).
Glympse
Why it’s secure: No account required, location sharing expires automatically, and recipients don’t need the app.
Best for: Temporary, low-commitment tracking (e.g., meeting friends, ride pickups).
Limitation: Fewer long-term safety features.
You can also use Google Maps / Timeline, since it is frequently recommended as a free, reliable, and native option for both Android and iOS to share location or track personal history.
Stay Vigilant.
The Vigilant Parents Team 🛡️