WhatsApp lets users track the current location of chat participants in real time

WhatsApp is getting a new feature that allows users to share their current location with others; they can track the location in real time on a map. The real-time location sharing is encrypted with end-to-end encryption just like normal communication via WhatsApp.

Users can open a location menu in a conversation with another WhatsApp user via the button to add attachments that allows the current location to be shared. You can choose how long the location should be shared via a timer, but the sharing can also be stopped manually at any time.

If a WhatsApp user has indicated that they want to share their location, this can be followed on a map for other participants in the conversation. Live Location doesn’t just work in conversations between two people; if more people in a group conversation share their location, all their locations will be shown simultaneously in real time. This feature has been available in Facebook Messenger since March.

The ability to share your location will be available for both Android and iOS and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks, according to WhatsApp.