WhatsApp has unveiled its all-new location sharing policy – “WhatsApp Live Location” to all the users around the world. It is operated as a real-world time location sharing system for the end to end users. However, this system is only applicable for the Encrypted users, or else it may seem insecure for some users to share their live location and have whoever track him or her via their phones.
Real-time
Previously, WhatsApp had the location sharing feature but it only showed static and spot Geological location. And that too only when the user intended to share the location with other users. Now, when users opt-in to live location whoever they are chatting with, one can easily see their exact location, which is being updated in real time basis. The feature allows others to view your location for 15 minutes, 1 hour or an 8-hour stretch if it’s connected to the internet.
Encryption
However, when it’s about privacy concerns, WhatsApp has implemented a powerful tool which is an encryption process by which only encrypted users can be located via each other’s phone in real time. But this real-time constant location system will drain the phone battery for sure. Product manager Zafir Khan of WhatsApp has ensured that they have paid particular attention towards the battery draining issue which can be affected for sharing locations for long times.
“Our engineering team spent a significant amount of time optimizing for battery usage,” Khan said, adding that factors like battery life and charging status all play a role.
The location privacy has been one of the major concerns of insecurity in many online cases. But if with the encrypted methodology, and having an opt-out function for this policy, a maximum amount of better safety measures can be taken for family groups.
