WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app, continues to evolve and bring new features to its users. One of the latest would allow know the position of a contact without the latter being informed. This trick nevertheless raises some questions about respect for the privacy of users.
How does this trick work?
It is now possible to know the position of a contact on WhatsApp without the latter knowing it, thanks to a simple and fast method. To do this, just follow these steps:
- Open a conversation with the contact whose location you want to know;
- Press the “attachment” icon located at the bottom of the screen;
- Choose the “Location” option;
- Send own location.
Once the location has been sent, you can see a map appear with the distance between the two interlocutors. This information thus makes it possible to deduce approximately the position of the contact without having to explicitly share their location..
The limits of this technique
However, it is important to note that this trick has its limits. Indeed, it does not make it possible to know precisely the position of the contact, but only to estimate the distance which separates the two interlocutors. Also, this method will only work if the two people are relatively close to each other.
Privacy issues
While this tip may seem handy for certain situations, it nevertheless raises questions about user privacy. In effect, the possibility of knowing the location of a contact without their consent can be perceived as an intrusion into their private sphere.
The legal and ethical framework
From a legal point of view, it is important to remember that the geolocation of a person without their consent constitutes an invasion of their privacy. Therefore, using this trick might be considered illegal in some countries.
From an ethical point of view, it is also necessary to reflect on the consequences that the use of this technique may have on the relations between users. Indeed, trust being an essential element in any relationship, it is important to ask yourself if the use of this trick is really justified.
WhatsApp and its new features
This trick adds to the list of many features that WhatsApp has introduced in recent years. Among these, we can mention in particular:
- The possibility of connecting the same account on up to four smartphones, as recently announced by Mark Zuckerberg, the boss of Meta;
- Controlling who can see a user’s online status;
- The “View Once” function, which allows you to block screenshots on ephemeral messages.
These new features show WhatsApp’s willingness to adapt to the needs and demands of its users. However, it is important to keep in mind that some of these new features may have privacy and ethical implications.
The WhatsApp trick to know the location of a contact without them knowing it can be useful in certain situations, but it also raises legitimate questions about the protection of user privacy. As users, it is necessary to remain vigilant with regard to the functionalities offered by instant messaging applications and to always take into account the potential consequences of their use on our relations with others.
