Whatsapp ‘Live Location’ feature spurs controversy

WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging service, has rolled out a controversial new feature called Live Location, which allows your friends to track you in real time.

This new feature, which allows people to track your whereabouts  for either 15 minutes, an hour or 8 hours, has been received with mixed feelings ranging from freaked out to pleased individuals.

On the freaked out side, you can no longer throw in excuses of being stuck in traffic for the late comers or working late for the ones who would rather pass by a bar for two. To them, Whatsapp has made it easier for insecure lovers, strict parents and uncompromising bosses, notwithstanding, creepy stalkers to keep tabs on your every movement.

Location sharing is a common feature across social media platforms, from Snapchat, Facebook and even Instagram. However, WhatsApp has advanced by updating the feature to be live location, which is an end-to end  secure encryption.

This has spurred reaction across the world with some condemning the tech-mind that cooked this idea into fruition while  some congratulate WhatsApp for the upgrade.

Reactions:

Whoever brought this WhatsApp Live Location is going straight to hell.

— IG @AdvBarryRoux (@AdvBarryRoux) October 20, 2017

With the new Live Location in Whatsapp, you will actually know when your friend texted "otw" is actually on his/her way, or still in bed. pic.twitter.com/w2SGKnF52K

— Kamal Kamaruzaman (@mkamalkzaman) October 24, 2017

https://twitter.com/khairuladib/status/921260086541955072

WhatsApp live location is going to change the game. As a honest man, I’m here for it

— Rondell GT-Sealey (@RondellDSealey) October 22, 2017

Oomf's Snapchat location is in Kampala but Whatsapp statuses have pics captioned "live at #NyegeNyege17 but anyway its none of my business pic.twitter.com/BGHYBxhxaF

— VaLawie (@daniel_RNSD) September 1, 2017