A new feature nicknamed the ‘Marauder Map’ allows for real-time tracking by using data from Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) through messenger. It allows the user to pinpoint people’s exact locations making it the ideal stalker application.
It is clear that Facebook can share location information with friends. Well, it is more of a known fact that the feature is available. A student from Cambridge has developed a Chrome extension that takes advantage of the location data.
Aran Khanna’s Chrome extension allows the user to capture location data from Messenger and uses it to plot the exact real-time location of friends. The application can pinpoint the exact location by noting it out on a map.
The name ‘marauder map’ derives its inspiration from Harry Potter. The location data can be obtained when a message is sent on the messenger application on mobile devices. It is easy to obtain this location information because the applications usually allow location sharing by default.
The feature can pull information from as far back as two years ago showing the person’s location as he or she sends messages to friends. The feature also allows the user to plot the real-time movements of their friends.
It all seems rather complicated like some new age tracking technology from the future. The kind of thing that can be seen in a ‘James Bond’ movie. In essence, it is relatively simple. The feature obtains latitude and longitude information which is usually linked with messages from JavaScript items.
Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB)’s Messenger application relays location data by default, thus making it easy to achieve such a feat. Most people are aware that the application has the capacity to give location information to friends but not many realize the depth of the information that can be obtained from it. Individuals who do not feel comfortable with the open nature of this feature can disable Messenger’s location sharing or by disabling its location access.
